Drug interactions
Desflurane + Ibutilide
Severity: Major
Desflurane and Ibutilide: 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
Ibutilide markedly prolongs repolarization and carries a high risk of torsades de pointes. Desflurane adds to QT prolongation, which makes the combination hazardous.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desflurane and Ibutilide 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; Ibutilide belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of repolarization, with ibutilide blocking the delayed rectifier potassium current.
What to do
Avoid giving ibutilide during desflurane anesthesia where possible and use an alternative approach to cardioversion. If used, maintain continuous ECG monitoring, defibrillation readiness, and normal potassium and magnesium.
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 Ibutilide
- Amiodarone + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Dolasetron + Ibutilide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desflurane with Ibutilide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desflurane and Ibutilide 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. Ibutilide markedly prolongs repolarization and carries a high risk of torsades de pointes. Desflurane adds to QT prolongation, which makes the combination hazardous.
How serious is the interaction between Desflurane and Ibutilide?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid giving ibutilide during desflurane anesthesia where possible and use an alternative approach to cardioversion. If used, maintain continuous ECG monitoring, defibrillation readiness, and normal potassium and magnesium.
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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