Drug interactions
Fentanyl + Sodium oxybate
Severity: Major
Fentanyl and Sodium oxybate: major 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
Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS depressant, and combining it with an opioid such as fentanyl greatly increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Labeling for sodium oxybate warns against concurrent use of CNS depressants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl and Sodium oxybate can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Fentanyl belongs to Musculoskeletal; Sodium oxybate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via GABA-B and opioid receptor effects.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if unavoidable, use minimal doses with close respiratory monitoring and consider reducing or interrupting sodium oxybate. Counsel patients and caregivers about warning signs of overdose.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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 Sodium oxybate
- Alprazolam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Chloral hydrate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clonazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clorazepate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fentanyl with Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fentanyl and Sodium oxybate can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS depressant, and combining it with an opioid such as fentanyl greatly increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Labeling for sodium oxybate warns against concurrent use of CNS depressants.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl and Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible; if unavoidable, use minimal doses with close respiratory monitoring and consider reducing or interrupting sodium oxybate. Counsel patients and caregivers about warning signs of overdose.
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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