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Drug interactions

Buprenorphine long-acting + Tizanidine

Severity: Major

Buprenorphine long-acting and Tizanidine: major interaction.

Last updated

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Summary

Tizanidine with long-acting injectable buprenorphine may cause additive sedation, hypotension and respiratory depression. The depot prolongs exposure, so the effects are slow to resolve.

What this interaction means in plain words

Buprenorphine long-acting and Tizanidine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive CNS depression from alpha-2 agonism and opioid receptor partial agonism.

What to do

Use only if other options are inadequate, starting tizanidine at a low dose. Monitor sedation, blood pressure and respiratory status.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
  • Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
  • What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Buprenorphine long-acting with Tizanidine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine long-acting and Tizanidine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Tizanidine with long-acting injectable buprenorphine may cause additive sedation, hypotension and respiratory depression. The depot prolongs exposure, so the effects are slow to resolve.

How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine long-acting and Tizanidine?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use only if other options are inadequate, starting tizanidine at a low dose. Monitor sedation, blood pressure and respiratory status.

What other medicines interact with Tizanidine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Tizanidine with, for example, Ciprofloxacin, Fluvoxamine, Pefloxacin. The full list is on the Tizanidine page.

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