Drug interactions
Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Isoflurane
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine subdermal implant 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
Buprenorphine from an implant gives continuous opioid exposure, adding sedation and respiratory depression to the effects of isoflurane. A minor QT effect may also add.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine subdermal implant 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression, with possible additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Inform the anesthesia team of the implant and titrate anesthetic and other opioid doses to effect. Monitor ventilation, sedation and ECG during and after surgery.
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?
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Other interactions of Isoflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine subdermal implant with Isoflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine subdermal implant 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 from an implant gives continuous opioid exposure, adding sedation and respiratory depression to the effects of isoflurane. A minor QT effect may also add.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine subdermal implant 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 the implant and titrate anesthetic and other opioid doses to effect. Monitor ventilation, sedation and ECG during and after surgery.
What other medicines interact with Isoflurane?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Isoflurane with, for example, Adrenaline-articaine, Amisulpride, Arsenic trioxide. The full list is on the Isoflurane page.
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