Drug interactions
Chloral hydrate + Sevoflurane
Severity: Major
Chloral hydrate and Sevoflurane: 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
Chloral hydrate given as premedication or sedation lowers the amount of volatile anesthetic needed and can add to respiratory and cardiovascular depression. Chloral hydrate is also known to sensitize the myocardium and has been associated with arrhythmias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloral hydrate and Sevoflurane 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.
Chloral hydrate belongs to Central Nervous System; Sevoflurane belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS, respiratory and cardiovascular depression, with possible additive myocardial sensitization.
What to do
Titrate sevoflurane to effect with reduced requirements, and monitor ECG, oxygen saturation, end-tidal CO2 and blood pressure continuously. Keep airway and resuscitation equipment available.
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 Chloral hydrate
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Chloral hydrate Contraindicated
- Chloral hydrate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Chloral hydrate Major
- Alprazolam + Chloral hydrate Major
- Amobarbital + Chloral hydrate Major
- Belladonna and opium + Chloral hydrate Major
Other interactions of Sevoflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloral hydrate with Sevoflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloral hydrate and Sevoflurane 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. Chloral hydrate given as premedication or sedation lowers the amount of volatile anesthetic needed and can add to respiratory and cardiovascular depression. Chloral hydrate is also known to sensitize the myocardium and has been associated with arrhythmias.
How serious is the interaction between Chloral hydrate and Sevoflurane?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Titrate sevoflurane to effect with reduced requirements, and monitor ECG, oxygen saturation, end-tidal CO2 and blood pressure continuously. Keep airway and resuscitation equipment available.
What other medicines interact with Chloral hydrate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chloral hydrate with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Chloral hydrate page.
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