Drug interactions
Secobarbital + Sufentanil
Severity: Major
Secobarbital 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
Combining a barbiturate with a potent opioid produces additive central nervous system and respiratory depression. Profound sedation, hypoventilation, coma or death may occur, especially at higher doses or in vulnerable patients. Secobarbital may also lower sufentanil exposure through enzyme induction.
What this interaction means in plain words
Secobarbital 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.
Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System; Sufentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from GABA-A potentiation by the barbiturate and mu-opioid agonism, plus CYP3A4 induction by the barbiturate.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if needed, use the lowest effective doses with continuous monitoring of respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and sedation level. Have resuscitation and opioid reversal equipment available.
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 Secobarbital
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Isavuconazonium + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Secobarbital Contraindicated
Other interactions of Sufentanil
- Alprazolam + Sufentanil Major
- Amitriptyline + Sufentanil Major
- Amobarbital + Sufentanil Major
- Aripiprazole + Sufentanil Major
- Asenapine + Sufentanil Major
- Baclofen + Sufentanil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Secobarbital with Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Secobarbital 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. Combining a barbiturate with a potent opioid produces additive central nervous system and respiratory depression. Profound sedation, hypoventilation, coma or death may occur, especially at higher doses or in vulnerable patients. Secobarbital may also lower sufentanil exposure through enzyme induction.
How serious is the interaction between Secobarbital 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: Avoid the combination where possible; if needed, use the lowest effective doses with continuous monitoring of respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and sedation level. Have resuscitation and opioid reversal equipment available.
What other medicines interact with Secobarbital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Secobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Secobarbital page.
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