Drug interactions
Desflurane + Esketamine
Severity: Moderate
Desflurane and Esketamine: 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
Desflurane is a general anesthetic that profoundly depresses the CNS. Esketamine, which has anesthetic properties, may potentiate anesthetic depth and cardiorespiratory effects when both are given perioperatively.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desflurane and Esketamine 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; Esketamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from NMDA receptor antagonism and volatile anesthetic action on GABA-A and other channels.
What to do
Titrate anesthetic dose to clinical effect and monitor hemodynamics and ventilation. Anesthesia staff should know about recent esketamine use.
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 Esketamine
Other interactions of Desflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desflurane with Esketamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desflurane and Esketamine 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 is a general anesthetic that profoundly depresses the CNS. Esketamine, which has anesthetic properties, may potentiate anesthetic depth and cardiorespiratory effects when both are given perioperatively.
How serious is the interaction between Desflurane and Esketamine?
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 anesthetic dose to clinical effect and monitor hemodynamics and ventilation. Anesthesia staff should know about recent esketamine use.
What other medicines interact with Esketamine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Esketamine with, for example, Alfentanil, Amobarbital, Belladonna and opium. The full list is on the Esketamine page.
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