Drug interactions
Fentanyl + Nicardipine
Severity: Moderate
Fentanyl and Nicardipine: 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
Nicardipine inhibits CYP3A4 to a modest degree and may raise fentanyl levels. The result could be increased sedation or respiratory depression, and additive hypotension may also occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl and Nicardipine 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.
Fentanyl belongs to Musculoskeletal; Nicardipine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated fentanyl metabolism, plus additive hypotensive effects.
What to do
Monitor respiratory status, sedation and blood pressure when nicardipine is started with fentanyl. Lower the fentanyl dose if opioid effects are excessive.
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 Nicardipine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fentanyl with Nicardipine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fentanyl and Nicardipine 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. Nicardipine inhibits CYP3A4 to a modest degree and may raise fentanyl levels. The result could be increased sedation or respiratory depression, and additive hypotension may also occur.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl and Nicardipine?
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 respiratory status, sedation and blood pressure when nicardipine is started with fentanyl. Lower the fentanyl dose if opioid effects are excessive.
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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