Drug interactions
Hydrocodone + Sufentanil sl
Severity: Major
Hydrocodone and Sufentanil sl: 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
Sublingual sufentanil is a potent opioid and adds to hydrocodone's respiratory and CNS depression. The combination may cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocodone and Sufentanil sl 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 mu-opioid receptor agonism.
What to do
Avoid the combination outside supervised settings; if it must be used, limit doses and monitor respiratory status and sedation closely. Keep naloxone available.
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 Hydrocodone
- Alvimopan + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydrocodone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrocodone with Sufentanil sl?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydrocodone and Sufentanil sl 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. Sublingual sufentanil is a potent opioid and adds to hydrocodone's respiratory and CNS depression. The combination may cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocodone and Sufentanil sl?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination outside supervised settings; if it must be used, limit doses and monitor respiratory status and sedation closely. Keep naloxone available.
What other medicines interact with Hydrocodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrocodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Bupropion-naltrexone, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Hydrocodone page.
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