Drug interactions
Chlorpromazine + Fentanyl
Severity: Major
Chlorpromazine 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
Chlorpromazine is strongly sedating and can cause hypotension, so with fentanyl it can produce deep sedation, respiratory depression and hypotension.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpromazine 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.
Chlorpromazine belongs to Central Nervous System; Fentanyl belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression and hypotensive effects (alpha-adrenergic blockade).
What to do
Use reduced doses of one or both drugs and monitor sedation, blood pressure and respiratory status 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
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 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?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlorpromazine 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. Chlorpromazine is strongly sedating and can cause hypotension, so with fentanyl it can produce deep sedation, respiratory depression and hypotension.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpromazine 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: Use reduced doses of one or both drugs and monitor sedation, blood pressure and respiratory status closely.
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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