What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Butorphanol and sufentanil
Sufentanil's FDA label of June 1, 2026 names butorphanol in its drug interactions section; butorphanol's label does not name sufentanil itself but warns about its class (Opioids (opioid agonists)). The sufentanil label: “May reduce the analgesic effect of Sufentanil Citrate Injection and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms.”
Check it at the source: the butorphanol FDA label on DailyMed (effective January 2, 2026, Hospira, Inc.); the sufentanil FDA label on DailyMed (effective June 1, 2026, Hospira, Inc.).
What does the butorphanol label say about sufentanil?
Butorphanol's label does not name sufentanil itself; it warns about its class (Opioids (opioid agonists)):
Butorphanol label, warningsLife-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has been reported with the use of opioids, even when used as recommended.
Butorphanol label, boxed warningSERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF BUTORPHANOL TARTRATE INJECTION Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Because the use of Butorphanol Tartrate Injection exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see WARNINGS ].
Source: FDA drug label (Butorphanol Tartrate), Hospira, Inc., effective January 2, 2026 (SPL set 9822ca3f-aee2-46e5-8a96-495400e65d10), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the sufentanil label say about butorphanol?
Sufentanil label, drug interactionsClinical Impact: May reduce the analgesic effect of Sufentanil Citrate Injection and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms. Intervention: Avoid concomitant use. Examples: butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, buprenorphine Muscle Relaxants
Source: FDA drug label (Sufentanil Citrate), Hospira, Inc., effective June 1, 2026 (SPL set 20293943-46ff-4345-1aa4-929b4e017a25), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Butorphanol | Sufentanil | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Pain | n/a |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $15.46 per mL 10 mg/mL spray | n/a |
| Shortage now | No current entry | In shortage |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once