Drug interactions
Fentanyl + Pheniramine
Severity: Moderate
Fentanyl and Pheniramine: 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
Pheniramine is a sedating first-generation antihistamine, and with fentanyl it increases drowsiness and impairs psychomotor performance. Respiratory depression is possible, especially in older or frail patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl and Pheniramine 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; Pheniramine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression via histamine H1 blockade and opioid receptor agonism.
What to do
Prefer a non-sedating antihistamine when an antihistamine is needed. If pheniramine is used, monitor for excess sedation and warn against driving and alcohol.
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 Pheniramine
- Amisulpride + Pheniramine Moderate
- Asenapine + Pheniramine Moderate
- Brexpiprazole + Pheniramine Moderate
- Brivaracetam + Pheniramine Moderate
- Cariprazine + Pheniramine Moderate
- Levetiracetam + Pheniramine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fentanyl with Pheniramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fentanyl and Pheniramine 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. Pheniramine is a sedating first-generation antihistamine, and with fentanyl it increases drowsiness and impairs psychomotor performance. Respiratory depression is possible, especially in older or frail patients.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl and Pheniramine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer a non-sedating antihistamine when an antihistamine is needed. If pheniramine is used, monitor for excess sedation and warn against driving and alcohol.
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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