Nicardipine and Fentanyl Transdermal Patch: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Fentanyl Transdermal Patch
Nicardipine
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
Severe hypotension
Interaction Deep Dive
The combination of a calcium channel blocker and a beta-adrenergic blocker should be used with caution during fentanyl anesthesia. Severe hypotension has been reported with this combination1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Unknown
Common questions
Can I take Nicardipine and Fentanyl Transdermal Patch together?
Severe hypotension Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Nicardipine and Fentanyl Transdermal Patch interaction?
It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "rapid". Effects can appear quickly, often within about 24 hours of combining the drugs.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "probable". Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Nicardipine or Fentanyl Transdermal Patch 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: Cardene(R), nicardipine hydrochloride. Roche Laboratories, Inc. Nutley, NJ, 1999. DailyMed
Keep reading about Fentanyl Transdermal Patch
Keep reading about Nicardipine
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Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:
major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.
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