Drug interactions
Diphenhydramine + Sufentanil
Severity: Major
Diphenhydramine 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 very potent opioid, and sedating antihistamines add to its CNS and respiratory depressant effects. The combination can cause profound sedation, hypotension and respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenhydramine 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.
Diphenhydramine belongs to Respiratory; Sufentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from opioid agonism and central H1 antagonism.
What to do
Titrate sufentanil carefully and reduce doses when a sedating antihistamine is given. Monitor sedation, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation continuously.
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 Diphenhydramine
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 Diphenhydramine with Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Diphenhydramine 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 very potent opioid, and sedating antihistamines add to its CNS and respiratory depressant effects. The combination can cause profound sedation, hypotension and respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenhydramine 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: Titrate sufentanil carefully and reduce doses when a sedating antihistamine is given. Monitor sedation, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation continuously.
What other medicines interact with Diphenhydramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diphenhydramine with, for example, Alfentanil, Belladonna and opium, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Diphenhydramine page.
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