Drug interactions
Cisatracurium + Fentanyl transdermal
Severity: Major
Cisatracurium and Fentanyl transdermal: major interaction.
Last updated
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
Fentanyl causes respiratory depression, sedation and hypotension, and these effects add to those of a neuromuscular blocker when ventilation is inadequate. Because the patch gives prolonged opioid exposure, depression can persist after blockade is reversed.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cisatracurium and Fentanyl transdermal 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 respiratory depression from central opioid effect and peripheral neuromuscular blockade.
What to do
Provide ventilatory support during blockade and monitor neuromuscular function and respiratory status through recovery. Adjust perioperative opioid dosing for patch exposure.
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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Other interactions of Cisatracurium
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cisatracurium with Fentanyl transdermal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cisatracurium and Fentanyl transdermal 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. Fentanyl causes respiratory depression, sedation and hypotension, and these effects add to those of a neuromuscular blocker when ventilation is inadequate. Because the patch gives prolonged opioid exposure, depression can persist after blockade is reversed.
How serious is the interaction between Cisatracurium and Fentanyl transdermal?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Provide ventilatory support during blockade and monitor neuromuscular function and respiratory status through recovery. Adjust perioperative opioid dosing for patch exposure.
What other medicines interact with Cisatracurium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cisatracurium with, for example, Amikacin, Bacitracin-neomycin-polymyxin, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Cisatracurium page.
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