Drug interactions
Desflurane + Hydromorphone
Severity: Moderate
Desflurane and Hydromorphone: 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
Opioids such as hydromorphone reduce the amount of inhaled anesthetic needed and add to respiratory and cardiovascular depression during anesthesia. Overdosing of either agent can cause deep sedation, hypoventilation and hypotension.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desflurane and Hydromorphone 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; Hydromorphone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression, with an opioid-related reduction in the minimum alveolar concentration of the volatile agent.
What to do
Titrate desflurane to effect, usually at a lower concentration, with continuous monitoring of ventilation, oxygenation and hemodynamics. Ensure airway support is available.
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 Hydromorphone
- Alvimopan + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Desflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desflurane with Hydromorphone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desflurane and Hydromorphone 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. Opioids such as hydromorphone reduce the amount of inhaled anesthetic needed and add to respiratory and cardiovascular depression during anesthesia. Overdosing of either agent can cause deep sedation, hypoventilation and hypotension.
How serious is the interaction between Desflurane and Hydromorphone?
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 desflurane to effect, usually at a lower concentration, with continuous monitoring of ventilation, oxygenation and hemodynamics. Ensure airway support is available.
What other medicines interact with Hydromorphone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydromorphone with, for example, Alvimopan, Bupropion-naltrexone, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Hydromorphone page.
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