Drug interactions
Buprenorphine transdermal + Oxymorphone
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine transdermal and Oxymorphone: 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
Transdermal buprenorphine can compete with oxymorphone at mu receptors, which may reduce analgesia or precipitate withdrawal in opioid-dependent patients. Additive sedation and respiratory depression can also occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine transdermal and Oxymorphone 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
Partial agonist receptor competition with a full agonist plus additive CNS depression.
What to do
Avoid unless necessary; if used, give the lowest effective doses and monitor for withdrawal, inadequate analgesia and respiratory depression.
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 Oxymorphone
- Alvimopan + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Ethanol + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Oxymorphone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Oxymorphone + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine transdermal with Oxymorphone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine transdermal and Oxymorphone 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. Transdermal buprenorphine can compete with oxymorphone at mu receptors, which may reduce analgesia or precipitate withdrawal in opioid-dependent patients. Additive sedation and respiratory depression can also occur.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine transdermal and Oxymorphone?
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 unless necessary; if used, give the lowest effective doses and monitor for withdrawal, inadequate analgesia and respiratory depression.
What other medicines interact with Oxymorphone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxymorphone with, for example, Alvimopan, Ethanol, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Oxymorphone page.
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