Drug interactions
Arsenic trioxide + Sevoflurane
Severity: Major
Arsenic trioxide and Sevoflurane: 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 carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation, torsades de pointes and complete AV block. Sevoflurane also lengthens the QT interval, raising the risk of a life-threatening arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Arsenic trioxide and Sevoflurane 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; Sevoflurane belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation, with arsenic trioxide also affecting cardiac ion channels.
What to do
Review a recent ECG and keep potassium and magnesium within the normal range before anesthesia. Monitor the ECG continuously, have defibrillation available, and avoid additional QT-prolonging drugs.
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 Sevoflurane
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 Sevoflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Arsenic trioxide and Sevoflurane 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 carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation, torsades de pointes and complete AV block. Sevoflurane also lengthens the QT interval, raising the risk of a life-threatening arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Arsenic trioxide and Sevoflurane?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Review a recent ECG and keep potassium and magnesium within the normal range before anesthesia. Monitor the ECG continuously, have defibrillation available, and avoid additional QT-prolonging drugs.
What other medicines interact with Sevoflurane?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sevoflurane with, for example, Amiodarone, Amisulpride, Bedaquiline. The full list is on the Sevoflurane page.
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