Drug interactions
Carbamazepine + Sufentanil sl
Severity: Major
Carbamazepine and Sufentanil sl: 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
Carbamazepine lowers sufentanil concentrations, which may cause inadequate analgesia or withdrawal in opioid-dependent patients. If carbamazepine is stopped, sufentanil levels can rise, risking respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbamazepine and Sufentanil sl 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
Carbamazepine induces CYP3A4, increasing sufentanil metabolism.
What to do
Monitor pain control and withdrawal symptoms during co-use. When carbamazepine is discontinued, watch for sedation and respiratory depression and reduce the sufentanil dose if needed.
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 Carbamazepine
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Delamanid Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Dienogest / estradiol valerate Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbamazepine with Sufentanil sl?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Carbamazepine and Sufentanil sl 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. Carbamazepine lowers sufentanil concentrations, which may cause inadequate analgesia or withdrawal in opioid-dependent patients. If carbamazepine is stopped, sufentanil levels can rise, risking respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Carbamazepine and Sufentanil sl?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor pain control and withdrawal symptoms during co-use. When carbamazepine is discontinued, watch for sedation and respiratory depression and reduce the sufentanil dose if needed.
What other medicines interact with Carbamazepine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Carbamazepine with, for example, Artemether / lumefantrine, Cabotegravir, Delamanid. The full list is on the Carbamazepine page.
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