Drug interactions
Desflurane + Pentamidine
Severity: Major
Desflurane and Pentamidine: 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
Systemic pentamidine can cause QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and volatile anesthetics may add to this effect. Risk is greater with hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia or hypoglycemia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desflurane and Pentamidine 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; Pentamidine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation.
What to do
Correct electrolytes and check ECG before anesthesia. Monitor the ECG continuously and avoid other QT-prolonging drugs.
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 Pentamidine
- Clomipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Moxifloxacin + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Nortriptyline + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Pentamidine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desflurane with Pentamidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desflurane and Pentamidine 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. Systemic pentamidine can cause QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and volatile anesthetics may add to this effect. Risk is greater with hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia or hypoglycemia.
How serious is the interaction between Desflurane and Pentamidine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Correct electrolytes and check ECG before anesthesia. Monitor the ECG continuously and avoid other QT-prolonging drugs.
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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