Drug interactions
Diazepam + Fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system
Severity: Major
Diazepam and Fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system: 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
Concurrent use of a benzodiazepine and an opioid produces additive sedation and respiratory depression. Profound sedation, hypotension, coma and death have been reported with this class combination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diazepam and Fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system 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 through opioid receptor agonism and GABA-A potentiation.
What to do
Use together only when alternative treatments are inadequate, at the lowest effective doses and for the shortest time. Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Diazepam and Fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
Other interactions of Diazepam
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diazepam with Fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Diazepam and Fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system 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. Concurrent use of a benzodiazepine and an opioid produces additive sedation and respiratory depression. Profound sedation, hypotension, coma and death have been reported with this class combination.
How serious is the interaction between Diazepam and Fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use together only when alternative treatments are inadequate, at the lowest effective doses and for the shortest time. Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression.
What other medicines interact with Diazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diazepam with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Alfentanil, Alprazolam. The full list is on the Diazepam page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
