Drug interactions
Butorphanol + Fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system
Severity: Major
Butorphanol and Fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system: 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
Both are opioids and together they add to sedation and respiratory depression. Butorphanol may also reduce fentanyl analgesia or precipitate withdrawal in opioid-tolerant patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butorphanol and Fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system 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
Additive opioid CNS depression with partial mu antagonism by butorphanol.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use. If butorphanol is necessary, monitor respiration, sedation and withdrawal.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Butorphanol and Fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
Other interactions of Butorphanol
- Butorphanol + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Butorphanol Major
- Alprazolam + Butorphanol Major
- Alvimopan + Butorphanol Major
- Amobarbital + Butorphanol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butorphanol with Fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Butorphanol and Fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system 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. Both are opioids and together they add to sedation and respiratory depression. Butorphanol may also reduce fentanyl analgesia or precipitate withdrawal in opioid-tolerant patients.
How serious is the interaction between Butorphanol and Fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system?
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 concurrent use. If butorphanol is necessary, monitor respiration, sedation and withdrawal.
What other medicines interact with Butorphanol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Butorphanol with, for example, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Butorphanol page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
