Drug interactions
Fentanyl transmucosal + Nicardipine
Severity: Moderate
Fentanyl transmucosal 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 fentanyl exposure, particularly the swallowed portion that undergoes first-pass metabolism, raising the risk of sedation and respiratory depression. The effect is expected to be smaller than with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl transmucosal 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 intestinal and hepatic CYP3A4, reducing fentanyl clearance.
What to do
Monitor respiratory status and sedation at frequent intervals, and adjust the fentanyl dose if opioid effects intensify.
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 transmucosal with Nicardipine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fentanyl transmucosal 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 fentanyl exposure, particularly the swallowed portion that undergoes first-pass metabolism, raising the risk of sedation and respiratory depression. The effect is expected to be smaller than with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl transmucosal 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 status and sedation at frequent intervals, and adjust the fentanyl dose if opioid effects intensify.
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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