Drug interactions
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Propofol
Severity: Major
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Propofol: 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
Benzhydrocodone is a prodrug of hydrocodone, an opioid that adds to the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of propofol. Hypotension can also occur, especially in volume-depleted patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Propofol 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression and vasodilation from opioid agonism and propofol's GABAergic effects.
What to do
Titrate propofol cautiously with reduced doses and monitor oxygen saturation, ventilation and blood pressure continuously. Ensure volume status is adequate and airway support is available.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Propofol, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Propofol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen with Propofol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Propofol 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. Benzhydrocodone is a prodrug of hydrocodone, an opioid that adds to the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of propofol. Hypotension can also occur, especially in volume-depleted patients.
How serious is the interaction between Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Propofol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Titrate propofol cautiously with reduced doses and monitor oxygen saturation, ventilation and blood pressure continuously. Ensure volume status is adequate and airway support is available.
What other medicines interact with Propofol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Propofol with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Propofol page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
