Drug interactions
Lapatinib + Sufentanil sl
Severity: Major
Lapatinib 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
Lapatinib inhibits CYP3A4, the main enzyme that metabolizes sufentanil. Higher sufentanil levels can intensify and prolong opioid effects, including serious respiratory depression and sedation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lapatinib 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
Lapatinib inhibits CYP3A4 and reduces the metabolic clearance of sufentanil.
What to do
Monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression, especially when starting or stopping lapatinib. Reduce the sufentanil dose or use an alternative opioid if signs of excess opioid effect appear.
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 Lapatinib
- Dofetilide + Lapatinib Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Lapatinib Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Lapatinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lapatinib with Sufentanil sl?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lapatinib 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. Lapatinib inhibits CYP3A4, the main enzyme that metabolizes sufentanil. Higher sufentanil levels can intensify and prolong opioid effects, including serious respiratory depression and sedation.
How serious is the interaction between Lapatinib 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: Monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression, especially when starting or stopping lapatinib. Reduce the sufentanil dose or use an alternative opioid if signs of excess opioid effect appear.
What other medicines interact with Lapatinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lapatinib with, for example, Dofetilide, Ibutilide, Pimozide. The full list is on the Lapatinib page.
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