Drug interactions
Desflurane + Doxapram
Severity: Major
Desflurane and Doxapram: 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
Doxapram is a respiratory stimulant that increases catecholamine release, and halogenated anesthetics sensitize the myocardium to catecholamines. Together arrhythmias may occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desflurane and Doxapram 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.
Desflurane belongs to Central Nervous System; Doxapram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Doxapram-induced catecholamine release combined with myocardial sensitization by the volatile anesthetic.
What to do
Delay doxapram until the volatile anesthetic has been largely eliminated, and monitor ECG.
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 Desflurane
Other interactions of Doxapram
- Dextroamphetamine + Doxapram Major
- Doxapram + Isocarboxazid Major
- Doxapram + Ketamine Major
- Doxapram + Linezolid Major
- Doxapram + Lisdexamfetamine Major
- Doxapram + Methamphetamine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desflurane with Doxapram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desflurane and Doxapram 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. Doxapram is a respiratory stimulant that increases catecholamine release, and halogenated anesthetics sensitize the myocardium to catecholamines. Together arrhythmias may occur.
How serious is the interaction between Desflurane and Doxapram?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Delay doxapram until the volatile anesthetic has been largely eliminated, and monitor ECG.
What other medicines interact with Desflurane?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desflurane with, for example, Amisulpride, Anagrelide, Arsenic trioxide. The full list is on the Desflurane page.
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