Drug interactions
Buprenorphine transdermal + Isoflurane
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine transdermal 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
Transdermal buprenorphine provides continuous opioid exposure, and with isoflurane the sedative and respiratory depressant effects are additive. A modest additive QT effect is also possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine transdermal 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
Generally continue the patch perioperatively and adjust anesthetic and supplemental analgesic doses to effect. Monitor respiration, sedation and ECG, and remember that drug release continues after patch removal.
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 transdermal with Isoflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine transdermal 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. Transdermal buprenorphine provides continuous opioid exposure, and with isoflurane the sedative and respiratory depressant effects are additive. A modest additive QT effect is also possible.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine transdermal 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: Generally continue the patch perioperatively and adjust anesthetic and supplemental analgesic doses to effect. Monitor respiration, sedation and ECG, and remember that drug release continues after patch removal.
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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