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Drug interactions

Nalbuphine + Rasagiline

Severity: Moderate

Nalbuphine and Rasagiline: 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

Rasagiline is an irreversible MAO-B inhibitor, and opioid analgesics given with MAO inhibitors may cause additive sedation, dizziness and hypotension. Serotonin toxicity has been reported with some opioids and MAO inhibitors, although nalbuphine is less serotonergic.

What this interaction means in plain words

Nalbuphine and Rasagiline 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.

Nalbuphine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Rasagiline belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

MAO inhibition may potentiate opioid CNS depression and hypotension and may add serotonergic effects; the mechanism for nalbuphine is not well defined.

What to do

Start nalbuphine at a reduced dose and titrate carefully, monitoring sedation, blood pressure and signs of serotonin toxicity. Consider a non-serotonergic alternative analgesic where feasible.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Nalbuphine with Rasagiline?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Nalbuphine and Rasagiline 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. Rasagiline is an irreversible MAO-B inhibitor, and opioid analgesics given with MAO inhibitors may cause additive sedation, dizziness and hypotension. Serotonin toxicity has been reported with some opioids and MAO inhibitors, although nalbuphine is less serotonergic.

How serious is the interaction between Nalbuphine and Rasagiline?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start nalbuphine at a reduced dose and titrate carefully, monitoring sedation, blood pressure and signs of serotonin toxicity. Consider a non-serotonergic alternative analgesic where feasible.

What other medicines interact with Nalbuphine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Nalbuphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Alprazolam. The full list is on the Nalbuphine page.

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