Drug interactions
Carisoprodol + Fentanyl
Severity: Major
Carisoprodol and Fentanyl: 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
Carisoprodol is a sedating muscle relaxant, and combining it with an opioid raises the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Opioid labeling specifically warns about concomitant skeletal muscle relaxants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carisoprodol and Fentanyl 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.
Carisoprodol belongs to Musculoskeletal; Fentanyl belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if needed, use the lowest doses for the shortest time and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Counsel patients to avoid alcohol and driving.
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 Fentanyl
- Alvimopan + Fentanyl Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Fentanyl Major
Other interactions of Carisoprodol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carisoprodol with Fentanyl?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Carisoprodol and Fentanyl 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. Carisoprodol is a sedating muscle relaxant, and combining it with an opioid raises the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Opioid labeling specifically warns about concomitant skeletal muscle relaxants.
How serious is the interaction between Carisoprodol and Fentanyl?
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 the combination where possible; if needed, use the lowest doses for the shortest time and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Counsel patients to avoid alcohol and driving.
What other medicines interact with Fentanyl?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fentanyl with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Fentanyl page.
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