Drug interactions
Arsenic trioxide + Desflurane
Severity: Major
Arsenic trioxide and Desflurane: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Arsenic trioxide commonly prolongs the QT interval and can cause torsades de pointes. Desflurane adds further QT prolongation, so the combination raises the risk of life-threatening arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Arsenic trioxide and Desflurane can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Arsenic trioxide belongs to Oncology; Desflurane belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through delayed cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Obtain an ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before anesthesia. Monitor the ECG continuously and consider an anesthetic with less QT effect.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Desflurane
Other interactions of Arsenic trioxide
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Clomipramine Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Fluphenazine Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Gemifloxacin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Arsenic trioxide with Desflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Arsenic trioxide and Desflurane can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Arsenic trioxide commonly prolongs the QT interval and can cause torsades de pointes. Desflurane adds further QT prolongation, so the combination raises the risk of life-threatening arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Arsenic trioxide and Desflurane?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain an ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before anesthesia. Monitor the ECG continuously and consider an anesthetic with less QT effect.
What other medicines interact with Desflurane?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desflurane with, for example, Amisulpride, Anagrelide, Bedaquiline. The full list is on the Desflurane page.
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