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.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an 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 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.
References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
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.
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 pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.
