Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Isoflurane
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine and Isoflurane: moderate 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
Isoflurane can prolong the QT interval and buprenorphine may add a small effect. The combination also adds to CNS and respiratory depression during anesthesia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Isoflurane can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Buprenorphine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Isoflurane belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation and additive CNS and respiratory depression.
What to do
Inform the anesthesia team of buprenorphine use and continue maintenance dosing where possible. Monitor the ECG continuously and keep electrolytes normal.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Buprenorphine and Isoflurane, 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 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Buprenorphine
- Alvimopan + Buprenorphine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Isoflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Isoflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine and Isoflurane can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Isoflurane can prolong the QT interval and buprenorphine may add a small effect. The combination also adds to CNS and respiratory depression during anesthesia.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Isoflurane?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Inform the anesthesia team of buprenorphine use and continue maintenance dosing where possible. Monitor the ECG continuously and keep electrolytes normal.
What other medicines interact with Buprenorphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Buprenorphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Buprenorphine 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.
