Drug interactions
Fentanyl + Schisandra
Severity: Moderate
Fentanyl and Schisandra: 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
Schisandra constituents have been reported to affect CYP3A4 activity, and the net effect on fentanyl exposure is not firmly established. Altered fentanyl levels could change analgesia or increase the risk of sedation and respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl and Schisandra 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.
Why it happens
Schisandra lignans may modulate CYP3A4 and alter fentanyl metabolism; the direction and extent are uncertain.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid schisandra supplements while on fentanyl, or monitor for changes in analgesia and sedation if use continues.
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 Schisandra, 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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fentanyl with Schisandra?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fentanyl and Schisandra 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. Schisandra constituents have been reported to affect CYP3A4 activity, and the net effect on fentanyl exposure is not firmly established. Altered fentanyl levels could change analgesia or increase the risk of sedation and respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl and Schisandra?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid schisandra supplements while on fentanyl, or monitor for changes in analgesia and sedation if use continues.
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.
