Drug interactions
Etomidate + Fentanyl
Severity: Moderate
Etomidate and Fentanyl: 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
Etomidate and fentanyl are commonly combined in anesthesia, where they produce additive sedation, hypotension and respiratory depression. Fentanyl can also reduce the etomidate dose needed.
What this interaction means in plain words
Etomidate and Fentanyl 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.
Etomidate belongs to Central Nervous System; Fentanyl belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression via GABA-A potentiation and mu-opioid agonism.
What to do
Use only where airway and ventilation can be supported, reduce doses as needed, and monitor blood pressure and respiration continuously.
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 Fentanyl
- Alvimopan + Fentanyl Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Fentanyl Major
Other interactions of Etomidate
- Alprazolam + Etomidate Moderate
- Amitriptyline + Etomidate Moderate
- Amobarbital + Etomidate Moderate
- Azelastine + Etomidate Moderate
- Baclofen + Etomidate Moderate
- Brompheniramine + Etomidate Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Etomidate with Fentanyl?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Etomidate and Fentanyl 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. Etomidate and fentanyl are commonly combined in anesthesia, where they produce additive sedation, hypotension and respiratory depression. Fentanyl can also reduce the etomidate dose needed.
How serious is the interaction between Etomidate and Fentanyl?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use only where airway and ventilation can be supported, reduce doses as needed, and monitor blood pressure and respiration continuously.
What other medicines interact with Fentanyl?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fentanyl with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Fentanyl page.
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