Drug interactions
Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Nicardipine
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Nicardipine: 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
Buprenorphine is metabolized by CYP3A4, and nicardipine may modestly increase its levels. Because the implant dose cannot be adjusted, overexposure could cause sedation, respiratory depression or other opioid toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Nicardipine 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
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated buprenorphine metabolism by nicardipine.
What to do
Monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and signs of overmedication after nicardipine is started. If toxicity occurs and nicardipine cannot be stopped, consider an alternative antihypertensive or 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 Nicardipine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine subdermal implant with Nicardipine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Nicardipine 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. Buprenorphine is metabolized by CYP3A4, and nicardipine may modestly increase its levels. Because the implant dose cannot be adjusted, overexposure could cause sedation, respiratory depression or other opioid toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Nicardipine?
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 after nicardipine is started. If toxicity occurs and nicardipine cannot be stopped, consider an alternative antihypertensive or switch to an adjustable buprenorphine form.
What other medicines interact with Nicardipine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nicardipine with, for example, Amifostine, Amlodipine-olmesartan-hydrochlorothiazide, Betrixaban. The full list is on the Nicardipine page.
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