Drug interactions
Pregabalin + Sufentanil sl
Severity: Major
Pregabalin and Sufentanil sl: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Sublingual sufentanil is a potent opioid, and pregabalin adds CNS depressant effects, increasing the risk of excessive sedation and respiratory depression. The combination needs particular care in opioid-naive, older or respiratory-compromised patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pregabalin and Sufentanil sl 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression: opioid agonism plus pregabalin's alpha-2-delta modulation.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation and respiratory status, including oxygen saturation. Consider an alternative to pregabalin or a lower opioid dose if sedation appears.
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 Pregabalin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Pregabalin with Sufentanil sl?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Pregabalin and Sufentanil sl 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. Sublingual sufentanil is a potent opioid, and pregabalin adds CNS depressant effects, increasing the risk of excessive sedation and respiratory depression. The combination needs particular care in opioid-naive, older or respiratory-compromised patients.
How serious is the interaction between Pregabalin and Sufentanil sl?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation and respiratory status, including oxygen saturation. Consider an alternative to pregabalin or a lower opioid dose if sedation appears.
What other medicines interact with Pregabalin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Pregabalin with, for example, Alprazolam, Amobarbital, Belladonna and opium. The full list is on the Pregabalin page.
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