Drug interactions
Chlorpheniramine + Sufentanil
Severity: Major
Chlorpheniramine and Sufentanil: 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
Combining a sedating antihistamine with a potent opioid such as sufentanil increases drowsiness and may deepen sedation and respiratory depression. The risk is greatest with higher opioid doses, in elderly patients and in those with respiratory disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpheniramine and Sufentanil 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.
Chlorpheniramine belongs to Respiratory; Sufentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system and respiratory depression from opioid agonism and histamine H1 blockade.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation level and respiratory rate, particularly during and after sufentanil administration. Avoid sedating antihistamines in patients at high risk of 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 Chlorpheniramine
Other interactions of Sufentanil
- Alprazolam + Sufentanil Major
- Amitriptyline + Sufentanil Major
- Amobarbital + Sufentanil Major
- Aripiprazole + Sufentanil Major
- Asenapine + Sufentanil Major
- Baclofen + Sufentanil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorpheniramine with Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlorpheniramine and Sufentanil 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. Combining a sedating antihistamine with a potent opioid such as sufentanil increases drowsiness and may deepen sedation and respiratory depression. The risk is greatest with higher opioid doses, in elderly patients and in those with respiratory disease.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpheniramine and Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation level and respiratory rate, particularly during and after sufentanil administration. Avoid sedating antihistamines in patients at high risk of respiratory depression.
What other medicines interact with Chlorpheniramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlorpheniramine with, for example, Belladonna and opium, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen, Brexanolone. The full list is on the Chlorpheniramine page.
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