Does Butorphanol Tartrate Interact with Oxymetazoline?
Butorphanol Tartrate and Oxymetazoline have a minor drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Oxymetazoline decreases rate of butorphanol absorption but does not affect total fraction absorbed, resulting in slower onset of action. The mechanism involves decreased rate of absorption. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Minor
- Management
- Generally manageable
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
How This Interaction Works
The interaction between Butorphanol Tartrate and Oxymetazoline occurs because decreased rate of absorption. Clinically, this means oxymetazoline decreases rate of butorphanol absorption but does not affect total fraction absorbed, resulting in slower onset of action. This is classified as a minor interaction with generally low clinical significance, though your healthcare provider should still be informed that you are taking both medications.
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Butorphanol Tartrate and your doctor is considering prescribing Oxymetazoline (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider