Drug interactions
Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Meperidine
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Meperidine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Buprenorphine is a partial mu-opioid agonist with high receptor affinity, so it may reduce the analgesic effect of meperidine or precipitate withdrawal. It also adds to CNS and respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Meperidine 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.
Why it happens
Competitive mu-receptor binding by buprenorphine with additive CNS and respiratory depression.
What to do
Avoid routine co-use; if acute pain requires additional opioids, monitor respiratory rate and sedation closely and titrate carefully.
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?
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References
Other interactions of Meperidine
- Alvimopan + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine subdermal implant with Meperidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Meperidine 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. Buprenorphine is a partial mu-opioid agonist with high receptor affinity, so it may reduce the analgesic effect of meperidine or precipitate withdrawal. It also adds to CNS and respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Meperidine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid routine co-use; if acute pain requires additional opioids, monitor respiratory rate and sedation closely and titrate carefully.
What other medicines interact with Meperidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meperidine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Meperidine page.
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