Drug interactions
Cisatracurium + Sufentanil sl
Severity: Moderate
Cisatracurium and Sufentanil sl: moderate 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
Opioids do not block the neuromuscular junction, but sedation and respiratory depression from sufentanil combine with paralysis from cisatracurium. In a monitored, ventilated setting this is routine, but outside such control it could cause hypoventilation and hypoxia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cisatracurium and Sufentanil sl can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive respiratory compromise: central respiratory depression from the opioid plus peripheral respiratory muscle paralysis from the neuromuscular blocker.
What to do
Use only with controlled ventilation and continuous monitoring of oxygenation and neuromuscular function. Make sure sublingual sufentanil is not given to non-ventilated patients receiving a neuromuscular blocker.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Cisatracurium
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cisatracurium with Sufentanil sl?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cisatracurium and Sufentanil sl can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Opioids do not block the neuromuscular junction, but sedation and respiratory depression from sufentanil combine with paralysis from cisatracurium. In a monitored, ventilated setting this is routine, but outside such control it could cause hypoventilation and hypoxia.
How serious is the interaction between Cisatracurium and Sufentanil sl?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use only with controlled ventilation and continuous monitoring of oxygenation and neuromuscular function. Make sure sublingual sufentanil is not given to non-ventilated patients receiving a neuromuscular blocker.
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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