Drug interactions
Fentanyl transdermal + Prochlorperazine
Severity: Major
Fentanyl transdermal and Prochlorperazine: 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
Prochlorperazine adds sedative and hypotensive effects to those of fentanyl, and the combination can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma or death. Because transdermal fentanyl has a prolonged effect, toxicity can persist after the patch is removed.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl transdermal and Prochlorperazine 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.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system and respiratory depression through opioid receptor agonism plus phenothiazine sedation and alpha-adrenergic blockade.
What to do
Reserve the combination for patients without adequate alternatives and use the lowest effective doses. Monitor sedation, respiratory rate and blood pressure, especially after dose changes.
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 Prochlorperazine
- Dronedarone + Prochlorperazine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Prochlorperazine Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Prochlorperazine Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Prochlorperazine Contraindicated
- Prochlorperazine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Prochlorperazine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fentanyl transdermal with Prochlorperazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fentanyl transdermal and Prochlorperazine 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. Prochlorperazine adds sedative and hypotensive effects to those of fentanyl, and the combination can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma or death. Because transdermal fentanyl has a prolonged effect, toxicity can persist after the patch is removed.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl transdermal and Prochlorperazine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reserve the combination for patients without adequate alternatives and use the lowest effective doses. Monitor sedation, respiratory rate and blood pressure, especially after dose changes.
What other medicines interact with Prochlorperazine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Prochlorperazine with, for example, Dronedarone, Ibutilide, Nilotinib. The full list is on the Prochlorperazine page.
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