Drug interactions
Buprenorphine transdermal + Methadone
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine transdermal and Methadone: 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 may displace methadone at the receptor and trigger withdrawal in dependent patients, while the combination also adds sedation and QT prolongation. Respiratory depression is possible, especially at higher doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine transdermal and Methadone 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
Partial agonist competition at mu-opioid receptors plus additive CNS depression and QT prolongation.
What to do
Use only when necessary at the lowest doses, and monitor for withdrawal symptoms, sedation and respiratory depression. Check ECG if other QT-prolonging risk factors exist.
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 Methadone
- Alvimopan + Methadone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Methadone Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Methadone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Methadone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine transdermal with Methadone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine transdermal and Methadone 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 may displace methadone at the receptor and trigger withdrawal in dependent patients, while the combination also adds sedation and QT prolongation. Respiratory depression is possible, especially at higher doses.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine transdermal and Methadone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use only when necessary at the lowest doses, and monitor for withdrawal symptoms, sedation and respiratory depression. Check ECG if other QT-prolonging risk factors exist.
What other medicines interact with Methadone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methadone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Droperidol. The full list is on the Methadone page.
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