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Opioid pharmacokinetic drug interactions common, but manageable

July 24, 2017
  • Advising on this article:
  • Daniel S. Streetman

KEY POINT

Data from more than 50 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed that opioid analgesic–related pharmacokinetic (PK) drug–drug interactions with various agents including antiplatelet agents, gabapentin, rifampin, quinidine, and protease inhibitors can occur, but these interactions are manageable and can be avoided by increasing provider awareness, tailoring medication regimens, and monitoring the patient closely.

SOURCES

Feng XQ, et al. Opioid analgesics-related pharmacokinetic drug interactions: From the perspectives of evidence based on randomized controlled trials and clinical risk management. J Pain Res. 2017;10:1225–39. 

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