Drug interactions
Dexmedetomidine + Opium tincture
Severity: Moderate
Dexmedetomidine and Opium tincture: 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
Opium tincture contains morphine and other opium alkaloids, which depress the CNS and respiration. With dexmedetomidine, sedation and respiratory depression can be additive, along with hypotension and bradycardia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexmedetomidine and Opium tincture 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 CNS depression from mu-opioid agonism and central alpha-2 agonism.
What to do
Start with reduced doses of either agent and monitor sedation, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation. Titrate carefully and watch for hypotension.
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 Dexmedetomidine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dexmedetomidine with Opium tincture?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexmedetomidine and Opium tincture 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. Opium tincture contains morphine and other opium alkaloids, which depress the CNS and respiration. With dexmedetomidine, sedation and respiratory depression can be additive, along with hypotension and bradycardia.
How serious is the interaction between Dexmedetomidine and Opium tincture?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start with reduced doses of either agent and monitor sedation, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation. Titrate carefully and watch for hypotension.
What other medicines interact with Dexmedetomidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dexmedetomidine with, for example, Buprenorphine long-acting, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Dextromoramide. The full list is on the Dexmedetomidine page.
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