Drug interactions
Buprenorphine transdermal + Oxycodone
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine transdermal and Oxycodone: 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
Transdermal buprenorphine can reduce the effect of oxycodone through receptor competition, yet the two still add to sedation and respiratory depression. Breakthrough oxycodone is sometimes used under supervision but needs care.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine transdermal and Oxycodone 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 receptors and additive CNS depression.
What to do
Use the lowest effective oxycodone dose for breakthrough pain and monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and withdrawal. Reassess the regimen regularly.
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 Oxycodone
- Alvimopan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine transdermal with Oxycodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine transdermal and Oxycodone 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. Transdermal buprenorphine can reduce the effect of oxycodone through receptor competition, yet the two still add to sedation and respiratory depression. Breakthrough oxycodone is sometimes used under supervision but needs care.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine transdermal and Oxycodone?
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 the lowest effective oxycodone dose for breakthrough pain and monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and withdrawal. Reassess the regimen regularly.
What other medicines interact with Oxycodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxycodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Oxycodone page.
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