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Drug interactions

Fentanyl transdermal + Quinidine

Severity: Moderate

Fentanyl transdermal and Quinidine: 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

Quinidine inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise fentanyl concentrations, increasing sedation and respiratory depression risk. Slow offset of the patch prolongs any resulting toxicity.

What this interaction means in plain words

Fentanyl transdermal and Quinidine 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.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Quinidine inhibition of CYP3A4 reduces fentanyl clearance.

What to do

Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression and reduce the fentanyl dose if needed. Be aware that effects may persist after the patch is removed.

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?

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

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Fentanyl transdermal with Quinidine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fentanyl transdermal and Quinidine 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. Quinidine inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise fentanyl concentrations, increasing sedation and respiratory depression risk. Slow offset of the patch prolongs any resulting toxicity.

How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl transdermal and Quinidine?

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 and reduce the fentanyl dose if needed. Be aware that effects may persist after the patch is removed.

What other medicines interact with Quinidine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Quinidine with, for example, Adagrasib, Arsenic trioxide, Artemether / lumefantrine. The full list is on the Quinidine page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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