Bexarotene and Alfentanil: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Alfentanil
No brand names on recordBexarotene
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
Reduced ALfentanil exposure, reduced efficacy of ALfentanil and an increased risk of a withdrawal syndrome
Interaction Deep Dive
Concomitant use of ALfentanil with CYP3A4 inducers may result in reduced ALfentanil exposure, resulting in reduced efficacy or onset of a withdrawal syndrome in patients who have developed physical dependence to ALfentanil. If concomitant use is necessary, consider increasing the ALfentanil dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Monitor for signs of respiratory depression. After stopping a CYP3A4 inducer, as the effects of the inducer decline, the ALfentanil exposure will increase, which could increase or prolong both the therapeutic effects and adverse reactions, and may cause serious respiratory depression. Monitor patients closely at frequent intervals and consider dosage reduction of ALfentanil1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Induction of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of ALfentanil
Common questions
Can I take Bexarotene and Alfentanil together?
Reduced ALfentanil exposure, reduced efficacy of ALfentanil and an increased risk of a withdrawal syndrome Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Bexarotene and Alfentanil interaction?
It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Bexarotene or Alfentanil need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (1)
- Product Information: Alfentanil HCl intravenous injection, alfentanil HCl intravenous injection. Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc (per FDA), East Brunswick, NJ, 2025.
Keep reading about Alfentanil
Keep reading about Bexarotene
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