Fentanyl

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Also indexed as: Actiq Oral Lozenge, Duragesic, Durogesic Patch

Fentanyl is used in surgery as a general anaesthetic and is available in a patch form to treat severe, chronic pain. It is in a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics.

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, a herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.

May Be Beneficial: Supportive interaction—Taking these supplements may support or otherwise help your medication work better.	Magnesium
Avoid: Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication since the supplement may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the medication in the body.	Alcohol (chronic)
Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results.	Alcohol
Depletion or interference	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Magnesium
One double-blind study showed that giving magnesium intravenously before surgery dramatically reduced the amount of fentanyl needed to control pain during and after an operation.¹ Further research is needed to determine whether people using fentanyl patches might benefit from supplementing with oral magnesium.

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Alcohol
Drinking alcoholic drinks while using fentanyl patches increases the likelihood of side effect, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and poor coordination.² Therefore, people using fentanyl patches should avoid drinking alcohol, especially when they must stay alert. People who chronically consume alcohol require larger amounts of fentanyl to achieve adequate levels of anaesthesia.³ Further research is needed to determine whether chronic alcohol consumption increases the amount of fentanyl needed to relieve pain.

References

1. Koinig H, Wallner T, Marhofer P, et al. Magnesium sulfate reduces intra- and postoperative analgesic requirements. Anesth Analg 1998;87:206–10.

2. Sifton DW, et. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 1445–8.

3. Tammisto T, Tigerstedt I. The need for fentanyl supplementation of N2O-O2 relaxant anesthesia in chronic alcoholics. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 1997;21:216–21.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires August 2007.