Drug interactions
Sufentanil + Tranylcypromine
Severity: Major
Sufentanil and Tranylcypromine: 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
Sufentanil given to a patient taking a nonselective MAOI may provoke serotonin-like toxicity or exaggerated opioid effects including hypotension and respiratory depression. Severe and sometimes fatal reactions have been described with opioids and MAOIs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Sufentanil and Tranylcypromine 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; Tranylcypromine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition may potentiate serotonergic and opioid effects; the exact mechanism is not fully established.
What to do
Avoid sufentanil during MAOI therapy and for 14 days after stopping tranylcypromine where possible. If it is essential, use small titrated doses with continuous monitoring of blood pressure, temperature and respiration.
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 Tranylcypromine
- 5-HTP + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Tranylcypromine 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 Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Sufentanil and Tranylcypromine 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 given to a patient taking a nonselective MAOI may provoke serotonin-like toxicity or exaggerated opioid effects including hypotension and respiratory depression. Severe and sometimes fatal reactions have been described with opioids and MAOIs.
How serious is the interaction between Sufentanil and Tranylcypromine?
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 sufentanil during MAOI therapy and for 14 days after stopping tranylcypromine where possible. If it is essential, use small titrated doses with continuous monitoring of blood pressure, temperature and respiration.
What other medicines interact with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tranylcypromine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Tranylcypromine page.
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