Does Fentanyl Interact with Midazolam?
CDI records a major classification for Fentanyl and Midazolam. The stored summary is: Concomitant use increases risk of respiratory depression and accentuates sedative effect. Monitor closely for respiratory depression and sedation. The mechanism involves opioids interact at mu receptors; combined with benzodiazepines acting at gaba-a sites increases cns respiratory depression. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This record was extracted from drug labeling through openFDA. NIH/NLM RxNorm is used for drug identities. The summary and severity classification are CDI's processed information, not a verbatim source quotation. Product, route, and patient circumstances matter.
- Severity
- Major
- Fentanyl Class
- Opioid Agonist
- Midazolam Class
- Benzodiazepine
- Management
- Close medical supervision required
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
Recorded Mechanism
Opioids interact at mu receptors; combined with benzodiazepines acting at GABA-A sites increases CNS respiratory depression
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Fentanyl and your doctor is considering prescribing Midazolam (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
- Ask how frequently you should be monitored while these are co-prescribed
- Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider