Drug interactions
Isocarboxazid + Sufentanil
Severity: Major
Isocarboxazid and Sufentanil: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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
Opioids with MAOIs can cause serotonin syndrome or severe opioid toxicity such as respiratory depression, hypotension and coma. The combination is generally avoided.
What this interaction means in plain words
Isocarboxazid 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.
Isocarboxazid belongs to Central Nervous System; Sufentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Probable serotonergic and CNS-depressant additive effects; mechanism for sufentanil is not firmly established.
What to do
Avoid within 14 days of MAOI use; choose an alternative anesthetic or analgesic strategy. If sufentanil is required, give small titrated doses with continuous hemodynamic and respiratory monitoring.
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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References
Other interactions of Isocarboxazid
- 5-HTP + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Apraclonidine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Isocarboxazid 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 Isocarboxazid with Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Isocarboxazid 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. Opioids with MAOIs can cause serotonin syndrome or severe opioid toxicity such as respiratory depression, hypotension and coma. The combination is generally avoided.
How serious is the interaction between Isocarboxazid 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: Avoid within 14 days of MAOI use; choose an alternative anesthetic or analgesic strategy. If sufentanil is required, give small titrated doses with continuous hemodynamic and respiratory monitoring.
What other medicines interact with Isocarboxazid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Isocarboxazid with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Isocarboxazid page.
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