Drug interactions
Desflurane + Nortriptyline
Severity: Moderate
Desflurane and Nortriptyline: 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
Volatile anesthetics such as desflurane can prolong the QT interval and cause hypotension, and nortriptyline adds QT, anticholinergic and arrhythmic effects. Arrhythmias and exaggerated hemodynamic effects may occur during anesthesia, and sedation may be additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desflurane and Nortriptyline 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; Nortriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression and QT prolongation, with tricyclic sensitization of the myocardium to catecholamines.
What to do
Inform the anesthesiologist about tricyclic use and monitor the ECG and blood pressure continuously during anesthesia. Avoid catecholamine-releasing or QT-prolonging adjuncts where possible.
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 Nortriptyline
- Disopyramide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Desflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desflurane with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desflurane and Nortriptyline 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. Volatile anesthetics such as desflurane can prolong the QT interval and cause hypotension, and nortriptyline adds QT, anticholinergic and arrhythmic effects. Arrhythmias and exaggerated hemodynamic effects may occur during anesthesia, and sedation may be additive.
How serious is the interaction between Desflurane and Nortriptyline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Inform the anesthesiologist about tricyclic use and monitor the ECG and blood pressure continuously during anesthesia. Avoid catecholamine-releasing or QT-prolonging adjuncts where possible.
What other medicines interact with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nortriptyline with, for example, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Nortriptyline page.
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