Drug interactions
Fentanyl transdermal + Nicardipine
Severity: Moderate
Fentanyl transdermal 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 increase systemic fentanyl levels, with a risk of excessive sedation and respiratory depression. Because patch delivery is prolonged and exposure builds slowly, effects can emerge late and last long.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl transdermal 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 for sedation and respiratory depression for several days after starting or increasing nicardipine. Reduce the fentanyl dose or choose a non-CYP3A4 antihypertensive if needed.
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 transdermal with Nicardipine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fentanyl transdermal 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 increase systemic fentanyl levels, with a risk of excessive sedation and respiratory depression. Because patch delivery is prolonged and exposure builds slowly, effects can emerge late and last long.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl transdermal 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 for sedation and respiratory depression for several days after starting or increasing nicardipine. Reduce the fentanyl dose or choose a non-CYP3A4 antihypertensive if needed.
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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