Drug interactions
Codeine + Sevoflurane
Severity: Moderate
Codeine and Sevoflurane: 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
Sevoflurane and codeine both depress CNS function, and opioids lower the anesthetic requirement for volatile agents. The combination increases the risk of hypotension and respiratory depression, particularly during recovery.
What this interaction means in plain words
Codeine and Sevoflurane 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; Sevoflurane belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression.
What to do
Titrate the anesthetic to effect with continuous hemodynamic and ventilatory monitoring. Anticipate reduced anesthetic requirements and monitor breathing during emergence.
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 Sevoflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Codeine with Sevoflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Codeine and Sevoflurane 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. Sevoflurane and codeine both depress CNS function, and opioids lower the anesthetic requirement for volatile agents. The combination increases the risk of hypotension and respiratory depression, particularly during recovery.
How serious is the interaction between Codeine and Sevoflurane?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Titrate the anesthetic to effect with continuous hemodynamic and ventilatory monitoring. Anticipate reduced anesthetic requirements and monitor breathing during emergence.
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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