Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Opioids may decrease the minimum alveolar concentration required for inhalation anesthetics. When these agents are used concomitantly, less inhalation anesthetic may be required. In addition, inhalation anesthetics may cause respiratory depression which may be increased by opioid premedication or other agents causing respiratory depression.

MANAGEMENT: In general, anesthesia should be titrated to clinical effect by those experienced in anesthesia technique and in the care of patients receiving opioids. Patients should be monitored closely for respiratory depression. Supportive therapy should be provided if needed.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate the central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects of opioid analgesics including buprenorphine. Concomitant use may result in additive CNS depression and impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills. In more severe cases, hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, or even death may occur.

MANAGEMENT: Patients taking buprenorphine should not consume alcohol or use medications that contain alcohol on days of buprenorphine dosing. In general, potent narcotics such as buprenorphine should not be combined with alcohol.