Drug interactions
Fentanyl + Vecuronium
Severity: Minor
Fentanyl and Vecuronium: minor 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
Fentanyl does not potentiate neuromuscular blockade significantly, but it can cause bradycardia, which vecuronium (lacking vagolytic effect) does not offset. The combination is used routinely in anesthesia with ventilatory support.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl and Vecuronium have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Fentanyl belongs to Musculoskeletal; Vecuronium belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Fentanyl-induced vagotonic bradycardia is not counteracted by vecuronium, which lacks vagolytic activity.
What to do
Use only in settings with controlled ventilation and heart rate monitoring. Treat bradycardia with an anticholinergic if clinically significant.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Vecuronium
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fentanyl with Vecuronium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Fentanyl and Vecuronium have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Fentanyl does not potentiate neuromuscular blockade significantly, but it can cause bradycardia, which vecuronium (lacking vagolytic effect) does not offset. The combination is used routinely in anesthesia with ventilatory support.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl and Vecuronium?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use only in settings with controlled ventilation and heart rate monitoring. Treat bradycardia with an anticholinergic if clinically significant.
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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