Drug interactions
Buprenorphine transdermal + Desflurane
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine transdermal and Desflurane: 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
Transdermal buprenorphine can cause modest QT prolongation and CNS depression. Desflurane adds both effects, which may increase sedation, respiratory depression and arrhythmia risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine transdermal and Desflurane 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 depression and possible additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Continue the patch where possible and titrate the anesthetic to effect. Monitor the ECG, respiration and sedation, and keep the patch away from heat sources.
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 Desflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine transdermal with Desflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine transdermal and Desflurane 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. Transdermal buprenorphine can cause modest QT prolongation and CNS depression. Desflurane adds both effects, which may increase sedation, respiratory depression and arrhythmia risk.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine transdermal and Desflurane?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Continue the patch where possible and titrate the anesthetic to effect. Monitor the ECG, respiration and sedation, and keep the patch away from heat sources.
What other medicines interact with Desflurane?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desflurane with, for example, Amisulpride, Anagrelide, Arsenic trioxide. The full list is on the Desflurane page.
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