Drug interactions
Desflurane + Nalbuphine
Severity: Moderate
Desflurane and Nalbuphine: 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 reduce the amount of inhaled anesthetic needed, and nalbuphine adds to the CNS and respiratory depression of desflurane. Together they can increase the risk of hypoventilation and prolonged recovery sedation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desflurane and Nalbuphine 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; Nalbuphine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression, with opioids lowering the minimum alveolar concentration of the volatile anesthetic.
What to do
The anesthetist should titrate desflurane to effect and may reduce its concentration. Monitor ventilation and recovery sedation closely.
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 Nalbuphine
- Alvimopan + Nalbuphine Contraindicated
- Nalbuphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Nalbuphine Major
- Amobarbital + Nalbuphine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Nalbuphine Major
- Brexanolone + Nalbuphine Major
Other interactions of Desflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desflurane with Nalbuphine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desflurane and Nalbuphine 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 reduce the amount of inhaled anesthetic needed, and nalbuphine adds to the CNS and respiratory depression of desflurane. Together they can increase the risk of hypoventilation and prolonged recovery sedation.
How serious is the interaction between Desflurane and Nalbuphine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: The anesthetist should titrate desflurane to effect and may reduce its concentration. Monitor ventilation and recovery sedation closely.
What other medicines interact with Nalbuphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nalbuphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Alprazolam. The full list is on the Nalbuphine page.
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