Drug interactions
Nalbuphine + Sufentanil
Severity: Major
Nalbuphine and Sufentanil: 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
Nalbuphine can partially antagonize sufentanil at mu receptors and may precipitate withdrawal in opioid-dependent patients. It also adds to sedation and respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nalbuphine 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.
Nalbuphine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Sufentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Partial mu antagonism by nalbuphine plus additive opioid CNS depression.
What to do
Avoid in opioid-dependent patients. In perioperative use, titrate each drug and monitor ventilation and analgesia.
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 Nalbuphine
- Alvimopan + Nalbuphine Contraindicated
- Nalbuphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Nalbuphine Major
- Amobarbital + Nalbuphine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Nalbuphine Major
- Brexanolone + Nalbuphine 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 Nalbuphine with Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Nalbuphine 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. Nalbuphine can partially antagonize sufentanil at mu receptors and may precipitate withdrawal in opioid-dependent patients. It also adds to sedation and respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Nalbuphine 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: Avoid in opioid-dependent patients. In perioperative use, titrate each drug and monitor ventilation and analgesia.
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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