Drug interactions
Fentanyl + Oxcarbazepine
Severity: Moderate
Fentanyl and Oxcarbazepine: 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
Oxcarbazepine is a weak to moderate CYP3A4 inducer and may reduce fentanyl concentrations, causing reduced analgesia or withdrawal in dependent patients. Fentanyl exposure can rise again when oxcarbazepine is stopped.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl and Oxcarbazepine 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; Oxcarbazepine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4-mediated fentanyl metabolism by oxcarbazepine.
What to do
Monitor pain control and withdrawal symptoms and adjust the fentanyl dose. Reduce fentanyl and monitor for sedation if oxcarbazepine is discontinued.
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 Oxcarbazepine
- Cabotegravir + Oxcarbazepine Contraindicated
- Oxcarbazepine + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Oxcarbazepine Major
- Atazanavir + Oxcarbazepine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Oxcarbazepine Major
- Bictegravir + Oxcarbazepine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fentanyl with Oxcarbazepine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fentanyl and Oxcarbazepine 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. Oxcarbazepine is a weak to moderate CYP3A4 inducer and may reduce fentanyl concentrations, causing reduced analgesia or withdrawal in dependent patients. Fentanyl exposure can rise again when oxcarbazepine is stopped.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl and Oxcarbazepine?
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 pain control and withdrawal symptoms and adjust the fentanyl dose. Reduce fentanyl and monitor for sedation if oxcarbazepine is discontinued.
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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