Drug interactions
Fentanyl + Gabapentin enacarbil
Severity: Major
Fentanyl and Gabapentin enacarbil: major 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
Combining opioids with gabapentinoids increases the risk of sedation, respiratory depression and death. The risk is greatest in older patients, those with lung disease or renal impairment, and at higher doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl and Gabapentin enacarbil 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.
Fentanyl belongs to Musculoskeletal; Gabapentin enacarbil belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous and respiratory depression from opioid and gabapentinoid effects.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and titrate slowly, monitoring for sedation and respiratory depression. Reduce doses in renal impairment or in patients with respiratory disease.
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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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 Gabapentin enacarbil
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fentanyl with Gabapentin enacarbil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fentanyl and Gabapentin enacarbil 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. Combining opioids with gabapentinoids increases the risk of sedation, respiratory depression and death. The risk is greatest in older patients, those with lung disease or renal impairment, and at higher doses.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl and Gabapentin enacarbil?
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 the lowest effective doses and titrate slowly, monitoring for sedation and respiratory depression. Reduce doses in renal impairment or in patients with respiratory disease.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
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