Drug interactions
Morphine + Sufentanil
Severity: Major
Morphine 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
Two opioids given together produce additive analgesia and additive respiratory and CNS depression. Overdose with apnea, hypotension and sedation is possible, especially in opioid-naive patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Morphine 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.
Morphine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Sufentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive mu-opioid receptor agonism.
What to do
Titrate each opioid to effect with continuous monitoring of respiratory rate and sedation, and reduce doses accordingly. Have naloxone and airway support available.
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 Morphine
- Alvimopan + Morphine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Morphine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Morphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Morphine Major
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 Morphine with Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Morphine 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. Two opioids given together produce additive analgesia and additive respiratory and CNS depression. Overdose with apnea, hypotension and sedation is possible, especially in opioid-naive patients.
How serious is the interaction between Morphine 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: Titrate each opioid to effect with continuous monitoring of respiratory rate and sedation, and reduce doses accordingly. Have naloxone and airway support available.
What other medicines interact with Morphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Morphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Morphine page.
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