Drug interactions
Lorazepam + Sufentanil
Severity: Major
Lorazepam and Sufentanil: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 a benzodiazepine with an opioid such as sufentanil increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. The risk is greatest with high doses, parenteral use and in debilitated or opioid-naive patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lorazepam 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.
Lorazepam belongs to Central Nervous System; Sufentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system and respiratory depression through opioid receptor and GABA-A receptor effects.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and shortest duration, with continuous monitoring of respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and sedation level. Ensure resuscitation equipment and naloxone are available in procedural or anesthetic settings.
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 Lorazepam
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 Lorazepam with Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lorazepam 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 a benzodiazepine with an opioid such as sufentanil increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. The risk is greatest with high doses, parenteral use and in debilitated or opioid-naive patients.
How serious is the interaction between Lorazepam 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 the lowest effective doses and shortest duration, with continuous monitoring of respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and sedation level. Ensure resuscitation equipment and naloxone are available in procedural or anesthetic settings.
What other medicines interact with Lorazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lorazepam with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Lorazepam page.
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