Drug Interaction Report

Dolasetron and Buprenorphine: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Dolasetron and Buprenorphine interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Dolasetron

Anzemet Anzemet®
+

Buprenorphine

Belbuca Brixadi Buprenex BuTrans Simbadol Sublocade Zorbium
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
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Interaction severity
Major
Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
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.

Of 332 documented Dolasetron interactions, 314 are rated major — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
unspecified
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Major

What happens

An increased risk of QT interval prolongation and an increased risk of serotonin syndrome

Interaction Deep Dive

Avoid concomitant use of buprenorphine and drugs that may prolong the QT interval. Additionally, concomitant use of buprenorphine with other agents that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. If concurrent use is unavoidable, monitor for serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and with dosage adjustments. Discontinue buprenorphine if serotonin syndrome is suspected1234.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Additive QT interval prolongation; additive serotonergic effects

Common questions

Can I take Dolasetron and Buprenorphine together?

An increased risk of QT interval prolongation and an increased risk of serotonin syndrome Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Dolasetron and Buprenorphine 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 Dolasetron or Buprenorphine 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 (4)

  1. Product Information: BELBUCA(TM) buccal film, buprenorpine buccal film. Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc. (per manufacturer), Malvern, PA, 2015.
  2. Product Information: BUPRENEX(R) intravenous injection, intramuscular injection, buprenorphine HCl intravenous injection, intramuscular injection. Indivior Inc. (per DailyMed), Richmond, VA, 2016. DailyMed
  3. Product Information: BUTRANS(R) transdermal system patch, buprenorphine transdermal system patch. Purdue Pharma L.P. (per FDA), Stamford, CT, 2016. DailyMed
  4. Product Information: BRIXADI(TM) subcutaneous extended-release injection, buprenorphine subcutaneous extended-release injection. Braeburn Inc (per FDA), Plymouth Meeting, PA, 2023. DailyMed
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Dolasetron

Keep reading about Dolasetron

All Dolasetron interactions (332) Dolasetron drug information
Also serious with: Piperaquine Phenelzine Pimozide Mesoridazine
Buprenorphine

Keep reading about Buprenorphine

All Buprenorphine interactions (633)
Also serious with: Dronedarone Piperaquine Pimozide Phenelzine
Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

Dolasetron + Activated Charcoal Grapefruit Lithium St. John's Wort 1,3-dmaa 5-htp Acacia Rigidula Acetyl-l-carnitine + 161 more
Buprenorphine + 1,4-butanediol Activated Charcoal Beer Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (ghb) Grapefruit Kava L-tryptophan Lithium + 206 more

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.