Drug interactions
Sufentanil + Tapentadol
Severity: Major
Sufentanil and Tapentadol: 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
Both are opioid agonists, so combined use produces additive CNS and respiratory depression, with excessive sedation, hypotension and possibly coma. The risk is highest with parenteral or high-dose sufentanil, as in anesthesia or intensive care.
What this interaction means in plain words
Sufentanil and Tapentadol 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.
Sufentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal; Tapentadol belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive mu-opioid receptor agonism causing CNS and respiratory depression.
What to do
Reduce the dose of one or both opioids and titrate to effect, with continuous monitoring of respiratory rate and sedation level. Have naloxone and ventilatory support 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 Tapentadol
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tapentadol 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 Sufentanil with Tapentadol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Sufentanil and Tapentadol 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. Both are opioid agonists, so combined use produces additive CNS and respiratory depression, with excessive sedation, hypotension and possibly coma. The risk is highest with parenteral or high-dose sufentanil, as in anesthesia or intensive care.
How serious is the interaction between Sufentanil and Tapentadol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce the dose of one or both opioids and titrate to effect, with continuous monitoring of respiratory rate and sedation level. Have naloxone and ventilatory support available.
What other medicines interact with Tapentadol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tapentadol with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid. The full list is on the Tapentadol page.
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