Drug interactions
Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Propofol
Severity: Major
Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates and Propofol: major 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
Oxybates are strong CNS depressants, and propofol adds anesthetic-level depression. The combination can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression through GABAergic synergism.
What to do
Withhold oxybate before planned sedation or anesthesia where feasible and reduce propofol doses. Monitor ventilation and oxygenation continuously and provide airway support.
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?
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Other interactions of Propofol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates with Propofol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates 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. Oxybates are strong CNS depressants, and propofol adds anesthetic-level depression. The combination can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
How serious is the interaction between Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates 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: Withhold oxybate before planned sedation or anesthesia where feasible and reduce propofol doses. Monitor ventilation and oxygenation continuously and provide airway support.
What other medicines interact with Propofol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Propofol with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Propofol page.
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