Drug interactions
Oxymorphone + Tapentadol
Severity: Major
Oxymorphone 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
Combining two opioid agonists increases the risk of sedation, respiratory depression and overdose without added safety benefit. Tapentadol also has noradrenergic activity that adds seizure and serotonergic considerations.
What this interaction means in plain words
Oxymorphone 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.
Oxymorphone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Tapentadol belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive mu-opioid receptor mediated CNS and respiratory depression.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use of two scheduled opioids unless deliberately managed; if used, reduce doses and monitor respiratory rate and sedation.
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 Oxymorphone
- Alvimopan + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Ethanol + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Oxymorphone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Oxymorphone + Selegiline transdermal 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 Oxymorphone with Tapentadol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Oxymorphone 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. Combining two opioid agonists increases the risk of sedation, respiratory depression and overdose without added safety benefit. Tapentadol also has noradrenergic activity that adds seizure and serotonergic considerations.
How serious is the interaction between Oxymorphone 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 concurrent use of two scheduled opioids unless deliberately managed; if used, reduce doses and monitor respiratory rate and sedation.
What other medicines interact with Oxymorphone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxymorphone with, for example, Alvimopan, Ethanol, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Oxymorphone page.
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