Can you take Alfenta with Cimetidine?
1 drug interaction and 31 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- Alfenta (alfentanil)
- cimetidine
Drug interactions
Moderate drug interactions
Moderate:
cimetidine ALfentanil
Applies to: cimetidine and Alfenta (alfentanil)
Cimetidine may increase the blood levels of ALfentanil.
This can increase the risk and/or severity of side effects such as:
- excessive sedation
- respiratory depression
- low blood pressure
- irregular heart rhythm
You may need a dose adjustment to safely use both medications.
Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Food/lifestyle interactions
Major food/lifestyle interactions
Major:
ALfentanil Food/Lifestyle
Applies to: Alfenta (alfentanil)
Do not use alcohol or medications that contain alcohol while you are receiving treatment with ALfentanil.
This may increase nervous system side effects such as:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- difficulty concentrating
- impairment in thinking and judgment
In severe cases, low blood pressure, respiratory distress, fainting, coma, or even death may occur.
You should also avoid consuming grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as this may increase the blood levels and effects of ALfentanil.
If you are taking an extended-release formulation, the pill should be swallowed whole (i.E., do not crush, chew, or divide the pill). Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed.
Do not exceed the dose of ALfentanil prescribed for you or use the medication more frequently or for a longer duration than prescribed by your doctor.
Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medication without first talking to your doctor.
Major:
ALfentanil Alcohol (Ethanol)
Applies to: Alfenta (alfentanil)
Do not use ethanol (alcohol) while you are receiving treatment with ALfentanil.
This may increase nervous system side effects such as:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- difficulty concentrating
- impairment in thinking and judgment
In severe cases, low blood pressure, respiratory distress, fainting, coma, or even death may occur.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed.
Do not use more than the recommended dose of ALfentanil and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medication without first talking to your doctor.
Minor food/lifestyle interactions
Minor:
cimetidine Alcohol (Ethanol)
Applies to: cimetidine
Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.
Minor:
cimetidine Caffeine
Applies to: cimetidine
Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.
Minor:
cimetidine Nicotine
Applies to: cimetidine
Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.
Disease interactions
26 potential interactions Applies to: 21 conditions, including Seizures, Arrhythmia, Hypotension, Head Injury, and Urinary Retention.
Acute Alcohol Intoxication
Major:
Alfenta
The ALfentanil in Alfenta has a major potential interaction with Acute Alcohol Intoxication.
The use of opiate agonists is contraindicated in patients with acute alcohol intoxication exhibiting depressed vital signs. The central nervous system depressant effects of opiate agonists may be additive with those of alcohol. Severe respiratory depression and death may occur. Therapy with opiate agonists should be administered cautiously in patients who might be prone to acute alcohol intake.
Adrenal Insufficiency
Moderate:
Alfenta
The ALfentanil in Alfenta has a moderate potential interaction with Adrenal Insufficiency.
Patients with Addison's disease may have increased risk of respiratory depression and prolonged CNS depression associated with the use of narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents. Conversely, these agents may cause or potentiate adrenal insufficiency. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with adrenocortical insufficiency. Subsequent doses should be titrated based on individual response rather than a fixed dosing schedule.
Altered Consciousness
Major:
Alfenta
The ALfentanil in Alfenta has a major potential interaction with Altered Consciousness.
Opiate agonists may produce significant central nervous system and respiratory depression of varying duration, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Apnea may result from decreased respiratory drive as well as increased airway resistance, and rigidity of respiratory muscles may occur during rapid IV administration or when these agents are used in the induction of anesthesia. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, the respiratory effects are usually not clinically important except in patients with preexisting pulmonary impairment. Therapy with opiate agonists should be avoided or administered with extreme caution and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with severe CNS depression; sleep apnea; hypoxia, anoxia, or hypercapnia; upper airway obstruction; chronic pulmonary insufficiency; a limited ventilatory reserve; or other respiratory disorders. In the presence of excessive respiratory secretions, the use of opiate agonists may also be problematic because they decrease ciliary activity and reduce the cough reflex. Caution is also advised in patients who may be at increased risk for respiratory depression, such as comatose patients or those with head injury, intracranial lesions, or intracranial hypertension. Clinical monitoring of pulmonary function is recommended, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if parenteral or neuraxial routes are used. Naloxone may be administered to reverse clinically significant respiratory depression, which may be prolonged depending on the opioid agent, cumulative dose, and route of administration.
Arrhythmia
Moderate:
Alfenta
The ALfentanil in Alfenta has a moderate potential interaction with Arrhythmia.
Opiate agonists have cholinergic activity. Large doses and/or rapid intravenous administration may produce bradycardia and arrhythmias via stimulation of medullary vagal nuclei. Therapy with opiate agonists should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of arrhythmias. Clinical monitoring of cardiovascular status is recommended during therapy.
Asphyxia
Major:
Alfenta
The ALfentanil in Alfenta has a major potential interaction with Asphyxia.
Opiate agonists may produce significant central nervous system and respiratory depression of varying duration, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Apnea may result from decreased respiratory drive as well as increased airway resistance, and rigidity of respiratory muscles may occur during rapid IV administration or when these agents are used in the induction of anesthesia. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, the respiratory effects are usually not clinically important except in patients with preexisting pulmonary impairment. Therapy with opiate agonists should be avoided or administered with extreme caution and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with severe CNS depression; sleep apnea; hypoxia, anoxia, or hypercapnia; upper airway obstruction; chronic pulmonary insufficiency; a limited ventilatory reserve; or other respiratory disorders. In the presence of excessive respiratory secretions, the use of opiate agonists may also be problematic because they decrease ciliary activity and reduce the cough reflex. Caution is also advised in patients who may be at increased risk for respiratory depression, such as comatose patients or those with head injury, intracranial lesions, or intracranial hypertension. Clinical monitoring of pulmonary function is recommended, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if parenteral or neuraxial routes are used. Naloxone may be administered to reverse clinically significant respiratory depression, which may be prolonged depending on the opioid agent, cumulative dose, and route of administration.
Brain Tumor
Major:
Alfenta
The ALfentanil in Alfenta has a major potential interaction with Brain Tumor.
Opiate agonists may produce significant central nervous system and respiratory depression of varying duration, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Apnea may result from decreased respiratory drive as well as increased airway resistance, and rigidity of respiratory muscles may occur during rapid IV administration or when these agents are used in the induction of anesthesia. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, the respiratory effects are usually not clinically important except in patients with preexisting pulmonary impairment. Therapy with opiate agonists should be avoided or administered with extreme caution and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with severe CNS depression; sleep apnea; hypoxia, anoxia, or hypercapnia; upper airway obstruction; chronic pulmonary insufficiency; a limited ventilatory reserve; or other respiratory disorders. In the presence of excessive respiratory secretions, the use of opiate agonists may also be problematic because they decrease ciliary activity and reduce the cough reflex. Caution is also advised in patients who may be at increased risk for respiratory depression, such as comatose patients or those with head injury, intracranial lesions, or intracranial hypertension. Clinical monitoring of pulmonary function is recommended, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if parenteral or neuraxial routes are used. Naloxone may be administered to reverse clinically significant respiratory depression, which may be prolonged depending on the opioid agent, cumulative dose, and route of administration.
Major:
Alfenta
The ALfentanil in Alfenta has a major potential interaction with Brain Tumor.
The hypoventilation associated with administration of opiate agonists, particularly by the intravenous route, can induce cerebral hypoxia and vasodilatation with resultant increase in intracranial pressure. Opiate agonists should not be used in patients with suspected or known head injury or increased intracranial pressure. Also, clinicians treating such patients should be aware that opiate agonists may interfere with the evaluation of CNS function, especially with respect to consciousness levels, respiratory status, and pupillary changes.
Cerebral Vascular Disorder
Major:
Alfenta
The ALfentanil in Alfenta has a major potential interaction with Cerebral Vascular Disorder.
The hypoventilation associated with administration of opiate agonists, particularly by the intravenous route, can induce cerebral hypoxia and vasodilatation with resultant increase in intracranial pressure. Opiate agonists should not be used in patients with suspected or known head injury or increased intracranial pressure. Also, clinicians treating such patients should be aware that opiate agonists may interfere with the evaluation of CNS function, especially with respect to consciousness levels, respiratory status, and pupillary changes.
Major:
Alfenta
The ALfentanil in Alfenta has a major potential interaction with Cerebral Vascular Disorder.
Opiate agonists may produce significant central nervous system and respiratory depression of varying duration, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Apnea may result from decreased respiratory drive as well as increased airway resistance, and rigidity of respiratory muscles may occur during rapid IV administration or when these agents are used in the induction of anesthesia. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, the respiratory effects are usually not clinically important except in patients with preexisting pulmonary impairment. Therapy with opiate agonists should be avoided or administered with extreme caution and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with severe CNS depression; sleep apnea; hypoxia, anoxia, or hypercapnia; upper airway obstruction; chronic pulmonary insufficiency; a limited ventilatory reserve; or other respiratory disorders. In the presence of excessive respiratory secretions, the use of opiate agonists may also be problematic because they decrease ciliary activity and reduce the cough reflex. Caution is also advised in patients who may be at increased risk for respiratory depression, such as comatose patients or those with head injury, intracranial lesions, or intracranial hypertension. Clinical monitoring of pulmonary function is recommended, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if parenteral or neuraxial routes are used. Naloxone may be administered to reverse clinically significant respiratory depression, which may be prolonged depending on the opioid agent, cumulative dose, and route of administration.
Dehydration
Major:
Alfenta
The ALfentanil in Alfenta has a major potential interaction with Dehydration.
Opiate agonists can induce vasodilation and significant hypotension, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Opiate analgesics cause vasodilatation that may exacerbate hypotension and hypoperfusion and, therefore, are contraindicated in circulatory shock. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, ambulatory patients are more likely to experience dizziness and hypotension than patients who are confined to bed. However, orthostatic hypotension may occur in supine patients upon rising. Therapy with opiate agonists should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with hypovolemia, or a predisposition to hypotension. When given by intramuscular or subcutaneous administration, clinicians should also be aware that impaired perfusion in these patients may prevent complete absorption of the drug. With repeated injections, an excessive amount may be absorbed suddenly if normal circulation is reestablished.
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
Major:
cimetidine
Cimetidine has a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage.
Histamine H2 receptor antagonists should not be used in the presence of vomit with blood, or bloody or black stools. These might be serious conditions and the diagnosis needs to be ruled out.
Gastrointestinal Obstruction
Major:
Alfenta
The ALfentanil in Alfenta has a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.
Opioid analgesics are contraindicated in patients with known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus.
Head Injury
Major:
Alfenta
The ALfentanil in Alfenta has a major potential interaction with Head Injury.
Opiate agonists may produce significant central nervous system and respiratory depression of varying duration, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Apnea may result from decreased respiratory drive as well as increased airway resistance, and rigidity of respiratory muscles may occur during rapid IV administration or when these agents are used in the induction of anesthesia. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, the respiratory effects are usually not clinically important except in patients with preexisting pulmonary impairment. Therapy with opiate agonists should be avoided or administered with extreme caution and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with severe CNS depression; sleep apnea; hypoxia, anoxia, or hypercapnia; upper airway obstruction; chronic pulmonary insufficiency; a limited ventilatory reserve; or other respiratory disorders. In the presence of excessive respiratory secretions, the use of opiate agonists may also be problematic because they decrease ciliary activity and reduce the cough reflex. Caution is also advised in patients who may be at increased risk for respiratory depression, such as comatose patients or those with head injury, intracranial lesions, or intracranial hypertension. Clinical monitoring of pulmonary function is recommended, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if parenteral or neuraxial routes are used. Naloxone may be administered to reverse clinically significant respiratory depression, which may be prolonged depending on the opioid agent, cumulative dose, and route of administration.
Major:
Alfenta
The ALfentanil in Alfenta has a major potential interaction with Head Injury.
The hypoventilation associated with administration of opiate agonists, particularly by the intravenous route, can induce cerebral hypoxia and vasodilatation with resultant increase in intracranial pressure. Opiate agonists should not be used in patients with suspected or known head injury or increased intracranial pressure. Also, clinicians treating such patients should be aware that opiate agonists may interfere with the evaluation of CNS function, especially with respect to consciousness levels, respiratory status, and pupillary changes.
Hemodialysis
Moderate:
cimetidine
Cimetidine has a moderate potential interaction with Hemodialysis.
Cimetidine is partially removed by hemodialysis and should be administered after dialysis.
Hypotension
Major:
Alfenta
The ALfentanil in Alfenta has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.
Opiate agonists can induce vasodilation and significant hypotension, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Opiate analgesics cause vasodilatation that may exacerbate hypotension and hypoperfusion and, therefore, are contraindicated in circulatory shock. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, ambulatory patients are more likely to experience dizziness and hypotension than patients who are confined to bed. However, orthostatic hypotension may occur in supine patients upon rising. Therapy with opiate agonists should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with hypovolemia, or a predisposition to hypotension. When given by intramuscular or subcutaneous administration, clinicians should also be aware that impaired perfusion in these patients may prevent complete absorption of the drug. With repeated injections, an excessive amount may be absorbed suddenly if normal circulation is reestablished.
Liver Disease
Major:
cimetidine
Cimetidine has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Cimetidine is partially metabolized by the liver, and to a greater extent when administered orally than when given intravenously. Although dosage reductions are generally not necessary, therapy with cimetidine should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease. Hepatotoxicity has been associated with cimetidine use. In addition, liver disease appears to be a risk factor for cimetidine-related central nervous system toxicity, which may include mental confusion, agitation, psychosis, depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and disorientation. These effects are usually reversible within 3 to 4 days after discontinuation of therapy.
Moderate:
Alfenta
The ALfentanil in Alfenta has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents are extensively metabolized by the liver, and several of them (e.g., codeine, hydrocodone, meperidine, methadone, morphine, propoxyphene) have active metabolites that are further converted to inactive substances. The serum concentrations of these agents and their metabolites may be increased and the half-lives prolonged in patients with impaired hepatic function. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with liver disease. Subsequent doses should be titrated based on individual response rather than a fixed dosing schedule.
Prematurity/Underweight in Infancy
Major:
Alfenta
The ALfentanil in Alfenta has a major potential interaction with Prematurity/Underweight in Infancy.
The use of narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents is contraindicated in premature infants. These agents may cross the immature blood-brain barrier to a greater extent than in adults, resulting in disproportionate respiratory depression.
Pulmonary Impairment
Major:
Alfenta
The ALfentanil in Alfenta has a major potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.
Opiate agonists may produce significant central nervous system and respiratory depression of varying duration, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Apnea may result from decreased respiratory drive as well as increased airway resistance, and rigidity of respiratory muscles may occur during rapid IV administration or when these agents are used in the induction of anesthesia. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, the respiratory effects are usually not clinically important except in patients with preexisting pulmonary impairment. Therapy with opiate agonists should be avoided or administered with extreme caution and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with severe CNS depression; sleep apnea; hypoxia, anoxia, or hypercapnia; upper airway obstruction; chronic pulmonary insufficiency; a limited ventilatory reserve; or other respiratory disorders. In the presence of excessive respiratory secretions, the use of opiate agonists may also be problematic because they decrease ciliary activity and reduce the cough reflex. Caution is also advised in patients who may be at increased risk for respiratory depression, such as comatose patients or those with head injury, intracranial lesions, or intracranial hypertension. Clinical monitoring of pulmonary function is recommended, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if parenteral or neuraxial routes are used. Naloxone may be administered to reverse clinically significant respiratory depression, which may be prolonged depending on the opioid agent, cumulative dose, and route of administration.
Renal Dysfunction
Moderate:
Alfenta
The ALfentanil in Alfenta has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Although narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents are generally metabolized by the liver, renal impairment can alter the elimination of these agents and their metabolites (some of which are pharmacologically active), resulting in drug accumulation and increased risk of toxicity. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with significantly impaired renal function. Subsequent doses should be titrated based on individual response rather than a fixed dosing schedule.
Moderate:
cimetidine
Cimetidine has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Cimetidine and its metabolites are primarily eliminated by the kidney. The daily dosage should initially be reduced in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (CrCl < 50 mL/min). If necessary, the daily dosage may be increased with caution. Renal dysfunction also appears to be a risk factor for cimetidine-related central nervous system toxicity, which may include mental confusion, agitation, psychosis, depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and disorientation. These effects are generally reversible within 3 to 4 days after discontinuation of therapy.
Respiratory Arrest
Major:
Alfenta
The ALfentanil in Alfenta has a major potential interaction with Respiratory Arrest.
Opiate agonists may produce significant central nervous system and respiratory depression of varying duration, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Apnea may result from decreased respiratory drive as well as increased airway resistance, and rigidity of respiratory muscles may occur during rapid IV administration or when these agents are used in the induction of anesthesia. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, the respiratory effects are usually not clinically important except in patients with preexisting pulmonary impairment. Therapy with opiate agonists should be avoided or administered with extreme caution and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with severe CNS depression; sleep apnea; hypoxia, anoxia, or hypercapnia; upper airway obstruction; chronic pulmonary insufficiency; a limited ventilatory reserve; or other respiratory disorders. In the presence of excessive respiratory secretions, the use of opiate agonists may also be problematic because they decrease ciliary activity and reduce the cough reflex. Caution is also advised in patients who may be at increased risk for respiratory depression, such as comatose patients or those with head injury, intracranial lesions, or intracranial hypertension. Clinical monitoring of pulmonary function is recommended, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if parenteral or neuraxial routes are used. Naloxone may be administered to reverse clinically significant respiratory depression, which may be prolonged depending on the opioid agent, cumulative dose, and route of administration.
Seizures
Moderate:
Alfenta
The ALfentanil in Alfenta has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.
Narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents may increase the frequency of seizures in patients with seizure disorders, may increase the risk of seizures occurring in other clinical settings associated with seizures, and, at higher dosages, have been reported to induce seizures in patients without history of seizures. Patients with history of seizure disorders should be regularly evaluated for worsened seizure control during therapy. Prolonged meperidine use may increase the risk of toxicity (e.g., seizures) from the accumulation of the active metabolite (normeperidine).
Shock
Major:
Alfenta
The ALfentanil in Alfenta has a major potential interaction with Shock.
Opiate agonists can induce vasodilation and significant hypotension, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Opiate analgesics cause vasodilatation that may exacerbate hypotension and hypoperfusion and, therefore, are contraindicated in circulatory shock. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, ambulatory patients are more likely to experience dizziness and hypotension than patients who are confined to bed. However, orthostatic hypotension may occur in supine patients upon rising. Therapy with opiate agonists should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with hypovolemia, or a predisposition to hypotension. When given by intramuscular or subcutaneous administration, clinicians should also be aware that impaired perfusion in these patients may prevent complete absorption of the drug. With repeated injections, an excessive amount may be absorbed suddenly if normal circulation is reestablished.
Urinary Retention
Moderate:
Alfenta
The ALfentanil in Alfenta has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.
Narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents may inhibit the urinary voiding reflex and increase the tone of the vesical sphincter in the bladder. Acute urinary retention requiring catheterization may occur, particularly in patients with prostatic hypertrophy or urethral stricture and in older adult patients. These agents may also decrease urine production via direct effects on the kidney and central stimulation of the release of vasopressin. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to urinary retention and/or oliguria. The effects on smooth muscle tone appear to be the most pronounced with morphine.
More resources
Alfenta
A total of 667 drugs are known to interact with Alfenta.
- Alfenta is in the drug class Opioids.
- Alfenta is used to treat the following conditions:
cimetidine
A total of 494 drugs are known to interact with cimetidine.
- Cimetidine is in the drug class H2 antagonists.
-
Cimetidine is used to treat the following conditions:
- Bronchogenic Carcinoma (off-label)
- Cutaneous Mastocytosis
- Duodenal Ulcer
- Duodenal Ulcer Prophylaxis
- Erosive Esophagitis
- GERD
- Human Papilloma Virus
- Indigestion
- Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (off-label)
- Stomach Ulcer
- Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis
- Upper GI Hemorrhage
- Weight Loss (off-label)
- Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Drug Interaction Classification
| Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
| Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
| Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. | |
| No interaction information available. |
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.