Fentanyl

Drug Information

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.

Common brand names:

Duragesic, Actiq, Fentora, Sublimaze

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods

Types of interactions:BeneficialAdverseCheck

Replenish Depleted Nutrients

  • none

Reduce Side Effects

  • Fiber

    Propoxyphene may cause gastrointestinal (GI) upset. Propoxyphene-containing products may be taken with food to reduce or prevent GI upset. A common side effect of narcotic analgesics is constipation. Increasing dietary fiber (especially vegetables and whole-grain foods) and water intake can ease constipation.

Support Medicine

  • 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. Further research is needed to determine whether people using fentanyl patches might benefit from supplementing with oral magnesium.

Reduces Effectiveness

  • Drinking grapefruit juice, orange juice, or apple juice with fexofenadine decreases blood levels of the drug.

    The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
  • Drinking grapefruit juice, orange juice, or apple juice with fexofenadine decreases blood levels of the drug.

    The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
  • Drinking grapefruit juice, orange juice, or apple juice with fexofenadine decreases blood levels of the drug.

    The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Potential Negative Interaction

  • none

Explanation Required

  • none

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.