Skip to content

Drug interactions

Fentanyl intranasal + Voriconazole

Severity: Major

Fentanyl intranasal and Voriconazole: 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

Voriconazole inhibits CYP3A4, the main route of fentanyl clearance, which may substantially increase fentanyl levels. This can cause profound sedation and potentially fatal respiratory depression, particularly with prolonged use.

What this interaction means in plain words

Fentanyl intranasal and Voriconazole 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

CYP3A4 inhibition reduces fentanyl metabolism and clearance.

What to do

Monitor frequently for respiratory depression and sedation, and reduce the fentanyl dose until stable. Consider an alternative opioid not dependent on CYP3A4 if prolonged co-therapy is needed.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

Pro+ members

Unlock the full page

Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Fentanyl intranasal and Voriconazole, 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.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Fentanyl intranasal with Voriconazole?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fentanyl intranasal and Voriconazole 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. Voriconazole inhibits CYP3A4, the main route of fentanyl clearance, which may substantially increase fentanyl levels. This can cause profound sedation and potentially fatal respiratory depression, particularly with prolonged use.

How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl intranasal and Voriconazole?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor frequently for respiratory depression and sedation, and reduce the fentanyl dose until stable. Consider an alternative opioid not dependent on CYP3A4 if prolonged co-therapy is needed.

What other medicines interact with Voriconazole?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Voriconazole with, for example, Avanafil, Butabarbital, Carbamazepine. The full list is on the Voriconazole 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.

Browse A–Z · Drug interactions

Get the app Sign in