Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration with potent inhibitors of CYP450 3A4 may increase the plasma concentrations of sufentanil, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. Increased sufentanil concentrations may enhance or prolong pharmacologic effects and potentiate the risk of central nervous system and respiratory depression. In six healthy volunteers, pretreatment with erythromycin (500 mg twice a day for 7 days) had no significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of sufentanil (3 mcg/kg single IV dose) relative to placebo in the nine hours following administration. However, in vitro data suggest that other potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitors (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, ritonavir) may interfere with the metabolism of sufentanil.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving sufentanil with potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitors should be carefully monitored for excessive central nervous system and respiratory depression, and dosage adjustments made accordingly if necessary.

GENERALLY AVOID: Ethanol may potentiate the central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects of opioid analgesics. 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: Concomitant use of opioid analgesics with ethanol should be avoided.