Drug interactions
Difelikefalin + Nalbuphine
Severity: Moderate
Difelikefalin and Nalbuphine: 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
Difelikefalin is a kappa opioid agonist that can cause somnolence and dizziness. With nalbuphine, which also acts on kappa receptors, sedation may be additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Difelikefalin and Nalbuphine 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.
Difelikefalin belongs to Dermatology; Nalbuphine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depressant effects through kappa opioid receptor agonism.
What to do
Monitor for excess sedation and dizziness, particularly in dialysis patients and those at risk of falls. Reduce the nalbuphine dose if needed.
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 Nalbuphine
- Alvimopan + Nalbuphine Contraindicated
- Nalbuphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Nalbuphine Major
- Amobarbital + Nalbuphine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Nalbuphine Major
- Brexanolone + Nalbuphine Major
Other interactions of Difelikefalin
- Acetazolamide + Difelikefalin Moderate
- Alprazolam + Difelikefalin Moderate
- Amantadine + Difelikefalin Moderate
- Amitriptyline + Difelikefalin Moderate
- Amobarbital + Difelikefalin Moderate
- Asenapine + Difelikefalin Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Difelikefalin with Nalbuphine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Difelikefalin and Nalbuphine 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. Difelikefalin is a kappa opioid agonist that can cause somnolence and dizziness. With nalbuphine, which also acts on kappa receptors, sedation may be additive.
How serious is the interaction between Difelikefalin and Nalbuphine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for excess sedation and dizziness, particularly in dialysis patients and those at risk of falls. Reduce the nalbuphine dose if needed.
What other medicines interact with Nalbuphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nalbuphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Alprazolam. The full list is on the Nalbuphine page.
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