Drug interactions
Desflurane + Propafenone
Severity: Moderate
Desflurane and Propafenone: 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 depress myocardial conduction. Together with propafenone, which slows conduction, this may lead to arrhythmia, hypotension or conduction block during anesthesia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desflurane and Propafenone 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; Propafenone belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive effects on cardiac conduction and repolarization, with additive myocardial depression.
What to do
Inform the anesthesia team about propafenone use and review the baseline ECG. Monitor the ECG and blood pressure continuously during surgery and keep electrolytes normal.
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 Propafenone
- Dofetilide + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nirmatrelvir + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Propafenone Contraindicated
Other interactions of Desflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desflurane with Propafenone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desflurane and Propafenone 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 depress myocardial conduction. Together with propafenone, which slows conduction, this may lead to arrhythmia, hypotension or conduction block during anesthesia.
How serious is the interaction between Desflurane and Propafenone?
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 anesthesia team about propafenone use and review the baseline ECG. Monitor the ECG and blood pressure continuously during surgery and keep electrolytes normal.
What other medicines interact with Propafenone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Propafenone with, for example, Dofetilide, Dronedarone, Nilotinib. The full list is on the Propafenone page.
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