Drug interactions
Fentanyl + Propofol
Severity: Moderate
Fentanyl and Propofol: 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
Propofol and fentanyl are commonly combined in anesthesia and sedation. Together they cause marked, synergistic respiratory depression, hypotension and loss of consciousness, and fentanyl lowers the propofol dose needed.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl and Propofol 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; Propofol belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Synergistic CNS and cardiorespiratory depression via GABA-A potentiation and mu-opioid agonism.
What to do
Use only where trained staff can manage the airway, and titrate each drug to effect, usually at reduced doses. Monitor oxygen saturation, ventilation and blood pressure 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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Fentanyl and Propofol, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Propofol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fentanyl with Propofol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fentanyl and Propofol 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. Propofol and fentanyl are commonly combined in anesthesia and sedation. Together they cause marked, synergistic respiratory depression, hypotension and loss of consciousness, and fentanyl lowers the propofol dose needed.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl and Propofol?
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 trained staff can manage the airway, and titrate each drug to effect, usually at reduced doses. Monitor oxygen saturation, ventilation and blood pressure 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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
