Drug interactions
Ketamine + Sufentanil sl
Severity: Major
Ketamine 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 with ketamine may cause additive sedation, respiratory depression and hypotension, with risk of coma or death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ketamine 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 CNS and respiratory depression from opioid agonism and NMDA antagonism.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and blood pressure closely.
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 Ketamine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ketamine with Sufentanil sl?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ketamine 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 with ketamine may cause additive sedation, respiratory depression and hypotension, with risk of coma or death.
How serious is the interaction between Ketamine 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: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and blood pressure closely.
What other medicines interact with Ketamine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ketamine with, for example, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen, Brexanolone, Buprenorphine buccal. The full list is on the Ketamine page.
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