Drug interactions
Remifentanil + Rizatriptan
Severity: Minor
Remifentanil and Rizatriptan: minor 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
Opioids with serotonergic activity combined with triptans have been associated with serotonin syndrome. Remifentanil has weak serotonergic activity, so the risk is probably low but is not zero. Features include agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia, sweating and hyperthermia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Remifentanil and Rizatriptan have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Remifentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal; Rizatriptan belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Possible additive serotonergic effect; remifentanil has limited serotonin reuptake activity and the evidence is largely theoretical.
What to do
Counsel on the symptoms of serotonin syndrome and monitor for them after starting or increasing doses. Stop the serotonergic agents and give supportive care if symptoms develop.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Remifentanil
- Alvimopan + Remifentanil Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Remifentanil Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Remifentanil Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Remifentanil Contraindicated
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Remifentanil Major
- Brexanolone + Remifentanil Major
Other interactions of Rizatriptan
- Almotriptan + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Remifentanil with Rizatriptan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Remifentanil and Rizatriptan have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Opioids with serotonergic activity combined with triptans have been associated with serotonin syndrome. Remifentanil has weak serotonergic activity, so the risk is probably low but is not zero. Features include agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia, sweating and hyperthermia.
How serious is the interaction between Remifentanil and Rizatriptan?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel on the symptoms of serotonin syndrome and monitor for them after starting or increasing doses. Stop the serotonergic agents and give supportive care if symptoms develop.
What other medicines interact with Remifentanil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Remifentanil with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Remifentanil page.
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