Combining Baclofen and Fentanyl is a major interaction and should generally be avoided without close medical supervision.
Patients may experience profound sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension, and psychomotor impairment. This can manifest as unresponsiveness, shallow breathing, decreased oxygen saturation, and an increased risk of falls or accidents. The combination significantly increases the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression.
Mechanism: Fentanyl, an opioid agonist, primarily acts on mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) to produce analgesia and CNS depression. Baclofen, a GABA-B receptor agonist, also exerts its muscle relaxant effects and CNS depression through actions in the brain and spinal cord. The co-administration of these two agents leads to an additive depressant effect on the CNS.
Baclofen vs. Fentanyl
Compare Baclofen and Fentanyl: mechanism of action, indications, side effects, cost, and which may be right for you.
Drug A
Baclofen
Baclofen (Intrathecal)
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
RxDrug B
Fentanyl
Fentanyl
Opioid Analgesics
RxQuick Comparison
| Category | Baclofen | Fentanyl |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Skeletal Muscle Relaxants | Opioid Analgesics |
| Rx Status | Rx | Rx |
| Generic Available | No | No |
| Typical Cost | $1,500–$5,000+/month | $150–$600/month |
Baclofen Overview
Baclofen (Intrathecal) is a medication delivered directly into the fluid surrounding your spinal cord to help manage severe muscle stiffness and spasms, known as spasticity. It works by relaxing your muscles, which can improve movement and reduce discomfort caused by conditions like spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis. This treatment is typically used when other baclofen forms haven't been ef...
Full Baclofen guide →Fentanyl Overview
FENTANYL (brand name: FENTANYL) is a Opioid Analgesics. 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Fentanyl transdermal system is indicated for the management of severe and persistent pain in opioid-tolerant patients, that requires an opioid analgesic and that cannot be adequately treated with alternative options, including immediate-release opioids. Patients considered…
Full Fentanyl guide →How Each Drug Works
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is an opioid agonist. Fentanyl interacts predominately with the opioid mu-receptor. These mu-binding sites are distributed in the human brain, spinal cord, and other tissues.
Approved Uses (Indications)
Baclofen
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Baclofen injection (intrathecal) is indicated for use in the management of severe spasticity. Patients should first respond to a screening dose of intrathecal baclofen prior to consideration for long term infusion via an implantable pump. For spasticity of spinal cord origin, chronic infusion of baclofen injection (intrathecal) via an implantable pump should be reserved for patients unresponsive to oral baclofen therapy, or those who experience intolerable CNS side effects at effective doses. Patients with spasticity due to traumatic brain injury should wait at least one …
Fentanyl
Fentanyl transdermal system is indicated for the management of severe and persistent pain in opioid-tolerant patients, that requires an opioid analgesic and that cannot be adequately treated with alternative options, including immediate-release opioids. Patients considered opioid-tolerant are those who are taking, for one week or longer, at least 60 mg morphine per day, 25 mcg transdermal fentanyl per hour, 30 mg oral oxycodone per day, 8 mg oral hydromorphone per day, 25 mg oral oxymorphone per day, 60 mg oral hydrocodone per day, or an equianalgesic dose of another op…
Side Effects
Baclofen
Fentanyl
Cost Comparison
Baclofen
$1,500–$5,000+/month
As this is a brand-only, specialty medication, costs can be very high. Explore manufacturer patient assistance programs or speak with your doctor about potential financial aid options.
Fentanyl
$150–$600/month
As a brand-only medication, fentanyl can be expensive. Patients should check for manufacturer coupons or patient assistance programs, and compare prices at different pharmacies using discount cards.
Compare prices for Baclofen and Fentanyl
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Medical Disclaimer
The information on RxGuide is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.