Drug interactions
Remifentanil + Sumatriptan
Severity: Minor
Remifentanil and Sumatriptan: 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 and triptans both have serotonergic properties, and serotonin syndrome has been reported with such combinations. Remifentanil is weakly serotonergic, so the risk is low but not zero. Presentation includes agitation, tremor, clonus, sweating and fever.
What this interaction means in plain words
Remifentanil and Sumatriptan 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; Sumatriptan belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Possible additive serotonergic effect via 5-HT1 agonism and weak opioid effects on serotonin; largely theoretical.
What to do
Monitor for signs of serotonin syndrome when starting or increasing either drug. Stop the serotonergic drugs and treat supportively if symptoms appear.
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 Sumatriptan
- Almotriptan + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Remifentanil with Sumatriptan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Remifentanil and Sumatriptan 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 and triptans both have serotonergic properties, and serotonin syndrome has been reported with such combinations. Remifentanil is weakly serotonergic, so the risk is low but not zero. Presentation includes agitation, tremor, clonus, sweating and fever.
How serious is the interaction between Remifentanil and Sumatriptan?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for signs of serotonin syndrome when starting or increasing either drug. Stop the serotonergic drugs and treat supportively if symptoms appear.
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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