Drug interactions
Hydromorphone + Sufentanil
Severity: Major
Hydromorphone and Sufentanil: 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
Combining two opioids increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression and hypotension. Sufentanil is extremely potent, so additive effects can be pronounced, especially outside monitored anaesthetic settings.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydromorphone and Sufentanil 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.
Hydromorphone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Sufentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive mu-opioid receptor agonism causing CNS and respiratory depression.
What to do
Use only where ventilation can be monitored, and reduce doses of each opioid according to response. Monitor respiratory rate and sedation level continuously.
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 Hydromorphone
- Alvimopan + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Sufentanil
- Alprazolam + Sufentanil Major
- Amitriptyline + Sufentanil Major
- Amobarbital + Sufentanil Major
- Aripiprazole + Sufentanil Major
- Asenapine + Sufentanil Major
- Baclofen + Sufentanil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydromorphone with Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydromorphone and Sufentanil 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. Combining two opioids increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression and hypotension. Sufentanil is extremely potent, so additive effects can be pronounced, especially outside monitored anaesthetic settings.
How serious is the interaction between Hydromorphone and Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use only where ventilation can be monitored, and reduce doses of each opioid according to response. Monitor respiratory rate and sedation level continuously.
What other medicines interact with Hydromorphone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydromorphone with, for example, Alvimopan, Bupropion-naltrexone, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Hydromorphone page.
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