Drug interactions
Codeine + Desflurane
Severity: Moderate
Codeine and Desflurane: 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
Opioids given perioperatively add to the respiratory and CNS depression of inhaled anesthetics and lower the anesthetic concentration needed. Postoperative respiratory depression and prolonged sedation may occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Codeine and Desflurane 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.
Codeine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Desflurane belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression, with opioids reducing minimum alveolar concentration of volatile anesthetics.
What to do
The anesthesiologist should titrate desflurane to effect and monitor ventilation and oxygenation. Continue respiratory monitoring in the recovery period.
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 Codeine
- Alvimopan + Codeine Contraindicated
- Codeine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Codeine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Codeine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Codeine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Codeine Major
Other interactions of Desflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Codeine with Desflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Codeine and Desflurane 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. Opioids given perioperatively add to the respiratory and CNS depression of inhaled anesthetics and lower the anesthetic concentration needed. Postoperative respiratory depression and prolonged sedation may occur.
How serious is the interaction between Codeine and Desflurane?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: The anesthesiologist should titrate desflurane to effect and monitor ventilation and oxygenation. Continue respiratory monitoring in the recovery period.
What other medicines interact with Codeine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Codeine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Codeine page.
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