.
Fentanyl is used in surgery as a general anesthetic and is available in a patch form to treat severe, chronic pain. It is in a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics.
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 beverages 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 anesthesia.3 Further research is needed to determine whether chronic
alcohol consumption increases the amount of fentanyl needed to relieve pain.
Summary of Interactions for Fentanyl
| Depletion or interference | None known |
|---|---|
| Adverse interaction | Alcohol |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Supportive interaction | Magnesium |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | Alcohol (chronic) |
For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
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 VitaminLore 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 pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.