Drug interactions
Desflurane + Doxepin
Severity: Moderate
Desflurane and Doxepin: 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
Doxepin is a sedating tricyclic antidepressant with antihistaminic, anticholinergic and alpha-blocking effects, and it can prolong the QT interval at higher doses. With desflurane it may deepen sedation, cause hypotension and add to arrhythmia risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desflurane and Doxepin 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.
Desflurane belongs to Central Nervous System; Doxepin belongs to Dermatology.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression and cardiovascular effects, with additive effects on cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Review ECG and electrolytes preoperatively in patients with QT risk factors. Monitor ECG, blood pressure and depth of anesthesia and treat hypotension with a direct-acting vasopressor.
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 Desflurane
Other interactions of Doxepin
- Doxepin + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Doxepin + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desflurane with Doxepin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desflurane and Doxepin 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. Doxepin is a sedating tricyclic antidepressant with antihistaminic, anticholinergic and alpha-blocking effects, and it can prolong the QT interval at higher doses. With desflurane it may deepen sedation, cause hypotension and add to arrhythmia risk.
How serious is the interaction between Desflurane and Doxepin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Review ECG and electrolytes preoperatively in patients with QT risk factors. Monitor ECG, blood pressure and depth of anesthesia and treat hypotension with a direct-acting vasopressor.
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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