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Drug interactions

Quetiapine + Sufentanil

Severity: Major

Quetiapine 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

Quetiapine and the opioid sufentanil both depress the CNS, so combined use can cause profound sedation, hypotension and respiratory depression. The risk is greatest at higher opioid doses and in frail patients.

What this interaction means in plain words

Quetiapine 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.

Quetiapine belongs to Central Nervous System; Sufentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive CNS and respiratory depression, with additive hypotension from alpha-1 blockade.

What to do

Use the lowest effective doses and monitor respiratory rate, sedation level and blood pressure. Reduce the opioid dose as needed in perioperative settings.

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?

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 Quetiapine with Sufentanil?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Quetiapine 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. Quetiapine and the opioid sufentanil both depress the CNS, so combined use can cause profound sedation, hypotension and respiratory depression. The risk is greatest at higher opioid doses and in frail patients.

How serious is the interaction between Quetiapine 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: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor respiratory rate, sedation level and blood pressure. Reduce the opioid dose as needed in perioperative settings.

What other medicines interact with Quetiapine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Quetiapine with, for example, Adagrasib, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Quetiapine page.

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