Drug interactions
Oxycodone + Tapentadol
Severity: Major
Oxycodone and Tapentadol: 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
Two opioid agonists combined add to sedation and respiratory depression without a clear analgesic advantage. Tapentadol also has noradrenergic activity, which adds some seizure and serotonergic considerations.
What this interaction means in plain words
Oxycodone and Tapentadol 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.
Oxycodone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Tapentadol belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive mu-opioid receptor agonism and CNS depression.
What to do
Avoid routine concurrent use of two full opioid agonists; if unavoidable, use the lowest doses and monitor respiratory rate and sedation. Consider naloxone availability.
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 Oxycodone
- Alvimopan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Other interactions of Tapentadol
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tapentadol Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Oxycodone with Tapentadol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Oxycodone and Tapentadol 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 opioid agonists combined add to sedation and respiratory depression without a clear analgesic advantage. Tapentadol also has noradrenergic activity, which adds some seizure and serotonergic considerations.
How serious is the interaction between Oxycodone and Tapentadol?
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 routine concurrent use of two full opioid agonists; if unavoidable, use the lowest doses and monitor respiratory rate and sedation. Consider naloxone availability.
What other medicines interact with Oxycodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxycodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Oxycodone page.
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