Drug interactions
Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Diltiazem
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Diltiazem: moderate 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
Diltiazem may raise buprenorphine concentrations, leading to sedation, respiratory depression and other opioid overdose signs. The implant cannot be dose-adjusted, which makes this more problematic.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Diltiazem can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Diltiazem inhibits CYP3A4, reducing buprenorphine metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and signs of overmedication. If diltiazem cannot be stopped or reduced, consider implant removal and switch to an adjustable buprenorphine form.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Diltiazem
- Diltiazem + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Ivabradine Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Diltiazem Major
- Alfentanil + Diltiazem Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine subdermal implant with Diltiazem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Diltiazem can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Diltiazem may raise buprenorphine concentrations, leading to sedation, respiratory depression and other opioid overdose signs. The implant cannot be dose-adjusted, which makes this more problematic.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Diltiazem?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and signs of overmedication. If diltiazem cannot be stopped or reduced, consider implant removal and switch to an adjustable buprenorphine form.
What other medicines interact with Diltiazem?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diltiazem with, for example, Flibanserin, Ivabradine, Lomitapide. The full list is on the Diltiazem page.
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