Drug interactions
Butorphanol + Propofol
Severity: Major
Butorphanol and Propofol: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Opioids and propofol act synergistically, increasing sedation depth and the risk of respiratory depression, apnea and hypotension. This is often intentional in anesthesia but needs skilled monitoring.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butorphanol 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.
Butorphanol belongs to Musculoskeletal; Propofol belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Synergistic CNS and respiratory depression via opioid receptors and GABA-A potentiation by propofol.
What to do
Reduce propofol dose requirements and titrate carefully with continuous monitoring of oxygenation, ventilation and blood pressure. Only trained personnel with airway equipment should administer.
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 Butorphanol 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 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
Other interactions of Butorphanol
- Butorphanol + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Butorphanol Major
- Alprazolam + Butorphanol Major
- Alvimopan + Butorphanol Major
- Amobarbital + Butorphanol Major
Other interactions of Propofol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butorphanol with Propofol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Butorphanol 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. Opioids and propofol act synergistically, increasing sedation depth and the risk of respiratory depression, apnea and hypotension. This is often intentional in anesthesia but needs skilled monitoring.
How serious is the interaction between Butorphanol 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: Reduce propofol dose requirements and titrate carefully with continuous monitoring of oxygenation, ventilation and blood pressure. Only trained personnel with airway equipment should administer.
What other medicines interact with Butorphanol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Butorphanol with, for example, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Butorphanol 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.
