Drug interactions
Clonidine + Sufentanil
Severity: Major
Clonidine and Sufentanil: 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
Sufentanil is a potent opioid, and clonidine adds sedation, bradycardia and hypotension. Together they can produce excessive sedation, respiratory depression and hemodynamic instability.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clonidine and Sufentanil 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.
Clonidine belongs to Cardiovascular; Sufentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression and hypotension from opioid agonism and central alpha-2 agonism.
What to do
Reduce opioid dose requirements as appropriate and monitor respiratory rate, sedation, heart rate and blood pressure continuously in monitored settings.
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
Other interactions of Sufentanil
- Alprazolam + Sufentanil Major
- Amitriptyline + Sufentanil Major
- Amobarbital + Sufentanil Major
- Aripiprazole + Sufentanil Major
- Asenapine + Sufentanil Major
- Baclofen + Sufentanil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clonidine with Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clonidine and Sufentanil 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. Sufentanil is a potent opioid, and clonidine adds sedation, bradycardia and hypotension. Together they can produce excessive sedation, respiratory depression and hemodynamic instability.
How serious is the interaction between Clonidine and Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce opioid dose requirements as appropriate and monitor respiratory rate, sedation, heart rate and blood pressure continuously in monitored settings.
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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