Drug interactions
Desflurane + Propofol
Severity: Moderate
Desflurane and Propofol: 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
Propofol is commonly combined with volatile agents, and together they produce additive anesthesia and cardiovascular depression. Hypotension and respiratory depression may be greater than with either drug alone.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desflurane and Propofol 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; Propofol belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive GABA-A mediated CNS depression and additive vasodilation and myocardial depression.
What to do
Reduce the dose of each agent based on depth-of-anesthesia monitoring. Monitor blood pressure and ventilation and treat hypotension promptly.
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 Desflurane
Other interactions of Propofol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desflurane with Propofol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desflurane and Propofol 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. Propofol is commonly combined with volatile agents, and together they produce additive anesthesia and cardiovascular depression. Hypotension and respiratory depression may be greater than with either drug alone.
How serious is the interaction between Desflurane and Propofol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce the dose of each agent based on depth-of-anesthesia monitoring. Monitor blood pressure and ventilation and treat hypotension promptly.
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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