Drug interactions
Cisapride + Desflurane
Severity: Major
Cisapride and Desflurane: 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
Cisapride can prolong the QT interval and cause torsades de pointes, and volatile anesthetics such as desflurane can also prolong QT. Combined use may add to the risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias during anesthesia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cisapride and Desflurane 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.
Cisapride belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Desflurane belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation through cardiac potassium channel effects.
What to do
Avoid cisapride before anesthesia where possible. If used, obtain an ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before surgery.
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 Cisapride
- Apomorphine + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Artemether + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Citalopram Contraindicated
Other interactions of Desflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cisapride with Desflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cisapride and Desflurane 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. Cisapride can prolong the QT interval and cause torsades de pointes, and volatile anesthetics such as desflurane can also prolong QT. Combined use may add to the risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias during anesthesia.
How serious is the interaction between Cisapride and Desflurane?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid cisapride before anesthesia where possible. If used, obtain an ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before surgery.
What other medicines interact with Cisapride?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cisapride with, for example, Apomorphine, Artemether, Azithromycin. The full list is on the Cisapride page.
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