Drug interactions
Fentanyl intranasal + Nicardipine
Severity: Moderate
Fentanyl intranasal and Nicardipine: 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
Nicardipine may raise fentanyl concentrations, increasing the risk of sedation and respiratory depression. The effect is likely modest compared with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl intranasal and Nicardipine 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
Nicardipine inhibits CYP3A4, which is the main route of fentanyl clearance.
What to do
Monitor respiratory rate and sedation, particularly when starting or stopping nicardipine. Lower the fentanyl dose if excess opioid effects appear.
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 Nicardipine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fentanyl intranasal with Nicardipine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fentanyl intranasal and Nicardipine 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. Nicardipine may raise fentanyl concentrations, increasing the risk of sedation and respiratory depression. The effect is likely modest compared with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl intranasal and Nicardipine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor respiratory rate and sedation, particularly when starting or stopping nicardipine. Lower the fentanyl dose if excess opioid effects appear.
What other medicines interact with Nicardipine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nicardipine with, for example, Amifostine, Amlodipine-olmesartan-hydrochlorothiazide, Betrixaban. The full list is on the Nicardipine page.
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