Drug interactions
Desflurane + Fentanyl transdermal
Severity: Major
Desflurane and Fentanyl transdermal: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 and volatile anesthetics produce additive CNS and respiratory depression, with hypotension and profound sedation. Fentanyl from a patch continues to be absorbed for hours after removal, which prolongs the risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desflurane and Fentanyl transdermal 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.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic CNS and respiratory depression.
What to do
Account for the patch as ongoing opioid exposure and reduce anesthetic and other opioid doses accordingly. Monitor ventilation, oxygen saturation and blood pressure continuously, including postoperatively.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Desflurane and Fentanyl transdermal, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
Other interactions of Desflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desflurane with Fentanyl transdermal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desflurane and Fentanyl transdermal 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. Opioids and volatile anesthetics produce additive CNS and respiratory depression, with hypotension and profound sedation. Fentanyl from a patch continues to be absorbed for hours after removal, which prolongs the risk.
How serious is the interaction between Desflurane and Fentanyl transdermal?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Account for the patch as ongoing opioid exposure and reduce anesthetic and other opioid doses accordingly. Monitor ventilation, oxygen saturation and blood pressure continuously, including postoperatively.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
