Drug General Information (ID: DDIT98KZG1)
Drug Name			Sufentanil		Drug Info		Halazepam		Drug Info
Drug Type		Small molecule				Small molecule
Therapeutic Class		Anesthetics				Antianxiety Agents
Structure

Mechanism of Sufentanil-Halazepam Interaction (Severity Level: Major)
Additive cardiorespiratory depression effects Click to Show/Hide Mechanism Graph
Drug Name		Sufentanil				Halazepam
Mechanism 1		Respiratory depression effects				Respiratory depression effects
Key Mechanism Factor 1
		Factor Name		Cardiorespiratory depression effects
		Factor Description		Cardiorespiratory depression is a reduction or inhibition of the normal function of the heart and lungs. The heart and lungs are the most important organs of the body's circulatory system, and when excessively depressed may result in decreased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, heart failure, slowed breathing (little to no visible chest movement), apnea, narrowed or pinpoint pupils, and seizures.
Mechanism Description		Additive cardiorespiratory depression effects by the combination of Sufentanil and Halazepam
Additive CNS depression effects Click to Show/Hide Mechanism Graph
Drug Name		Sufentanil				Halazepam
Mechanism 2		CNS depression effects				CNS depression effects
Key Mechanism Factor 2
		Factor Name		CNS depression effects
		Factor Description		CNS depressants are drugs that inhibit or suppress brain activity and can reduce mental and physical processes. Excessive CNS depression can lead to decreased heart rate, slow breathing (less than 10 breaths per minute), extreme confusion or loss of memory, nausea and vomiting, poor judgment, blue lips or fingertips, irritability and aggression, and clammy or cold skin.
Mechanism Description		Additive CNS depression effects by the combination of Sufentanil and Halazepam

Recommended Action
Management		The use of opioids in conjunction with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants should generally be avoided unless alternative treatment options are inadequate. If coadministration is necessary, the dosage and duration of each drug should be limited to the minimum required to achieve desired clinical effect. Patients receiving sufentanil with benzodiazepines should be monitored closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression, altered hemodynamics, and hypotension.

References
1	Gilman AG, Rall TW, Nies AS, Taylor P, eds. "Goodman and Gilman's the Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 8th ed." New York, NY: Pergamon Press Inc. (1990):.
2	Product Information. Sufenta (sufentanil). Janssen Pharmaceutica, Titusville, NJ.
3	US Food and Drug Administration "FDA warns about serious risks and death when combining opioid pain or cough medicines with benzodiazepines requires its strongest warning."