Drug interactions
Clonidine + Fentanyl transdermal
Severity: Major
Clonidine and Fentanyl transdermal: 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
Fentanyl is a potent opioid that causes sedation and respiratory depression, and clonidine adds sedation and hypotension. Because the patch has a prolonged effect, the combined depression may persist for many hours after changes are made.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clonidine 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 CNS and respiratory depression and hypotension through opioid receptor agonism and central alpha-2 agonism.
What to do
Monitor sedation, respiratory rate and blood pressure, especially when starting clonidine or raising doses. Reduce either dose if excessive drowsiness or hypotension occurs.
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 Clonidine
- Acebutolol + Clonidine Major
- Amifostine + Clonidine Major
- Amiodarone + Clonidine Major
- Amoxapine + Clonidine Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Clonidine Major
- Atenolol + Clonidine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clonidine with Fentanyl transdermal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clonidine 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 is a potent opioid that causes sedation and respiratory depression, and clonidine adds sedation and hypotension. Because the patch has a prolonged effect, the combined depression may persist for many hours after changes are made.
How serious is the interaction between Clonidine 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: Monitor sedation, respiratory rate and blood pressure, especially when starting clonidine or raising doses. Reduce either dose if excessive drowsiness or hypotension occurs.
What other medicines interact with Clonidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clonidine with, for example, Acebutolol, Amifostine, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Clonidine page.
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