Drug interactions
Desflurane + Propranolol
Severity: Moderate
Desflurane and Propranolol: 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 depress myocardial contractility and vasomotor tone, and beta-blockade reduces compensatory responses. The result can be more pronounced hypotension and bradycardia during anesthesia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desflurane and Propranolol 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; Propranolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive negative inotropic and hypotensive effects of beta-blockade and inhaled anesthetic.
What to do
Continue beta-blockers perioperatively in most patients but inform the anesthesiologist. Monitor blood pressure and heart rate and titrate anesthetic depth accordingly.
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 Propranolol
- Propranolol + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Propranolol Major
- Adrenaline-articaine + Propranolol Major
- Amifostine + Propranolol Major
- Amiodarone + Propranolol Major
- Arformoterol + Propranolol Major
Other interactions of Desflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desflurane with Propranolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desflurane and Propranolol 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 depress myocardial contractility and vasomotor tone, and beta-blockade reduces compensatory responses. The result can be more pronounced hypotension and bradycardia during anesthesia.
How serious is the interaction between Desflurane and Propranolol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Continue beta-blockers perioperatively in most patients but inform the anesthesiologist. Monitor blood pressure and heart rate and titrate anesthetic depth accordingly.
What other medicines interact with Propranolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Propranolol with, for example, Thioridazine, Acebutolol, Adrenaline-articaine. The full list is on the Propranolol page.
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