Drug interactions
Chlorpromazine + Fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system
Severity: Major
Chlorpromazine and Fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Chlorpromazine and fentanyl both depress the central nervous system, so using them together can cause deeper sedation, hypotension and respiratory depression. Profound sedation, coma or death are possible, especially in opioid-naive patients or at higher doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpromazine 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 pharmacodynamic CNS and respiratory depression from the phenothiazine and the opioid.
What to do
Reserve the combination for patients with no adequate alternatives, using the lowest effective doses of each drug. Monitor sedation, respiratory rate and blood pressure closely.
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
- Chlorpromazine 100mg Tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: morphine derivatives; "Other CNS depressants: morphine derivatives (analgesics, antitussives and substitution treatments), barbiturates, benzodiazepines, anxiolytics other than benzod") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Chlorpromazine
- Chlorpromazine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Metrizamide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Panobinostat Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorpromazine with Fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlorpromazine 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. Chlorpromazine and fentanyl both depress the central nervous system, so using them together can cause deeper sedation, hypotension and respiratory depression. Profound sedation, coma or death are possible, especially in opioid-naive patients or at higher doses.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpromazine 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: Reserve the combination for patients with no adequate alternatives, using the lowest effective doses of each drug. Monitor sedation, respiratory rate and blood pressure closely.
What other medicines interact with Chlorpromazine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlorpromazine with, for example, Dofetilide, Dronedarone, Droperidol. The full list is on the Chlorpromazine page.
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