Drug interactions
Ketamine + Sufentanil
Severity: Moderate
Ketamine and Sufentanil: 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
Ketamine and sufentanil are commonly combined in anesthesia and analgesia, but together they produce additive sedation and respiratory depression. Hypotension and delayed recovery may occur, especially at higher doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ketamine and Sufentanil 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.
Ketamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Sufentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from NMDA antagonism and mu-opioid agonism.
What to do
Titrate both agents carefully with continuous monitoring of respiration, oxygen saturation and blood pressure. Ensure airway support and opioid reversal are available.
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 Ketamine
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 Ketamine with Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ketamine and Sufentanil 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. Ketamine and sufentanil are commonly combined in anesthesia and analgesia, but together they produce additive sedation and respiratory depression. Hypotension and delayed recovery may occur, especially at higher doses.
How serious is the interaction between Ketamine and Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Titrate both agents carefully with continuous monitoring of respiration, oxygen saturation and blood pressure. Ensure airway support and opioid reversal are available.
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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