Drug interactions
Desflurane + Selegiline
Severity: Moderate
Desflurane and Selegiline: 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
MAO inhibitors may alter responses to general anesthesia, with reports of labile blood pressure, agitation and autonomic instability. Selegiline at low oral doses is selective for MAO-B, so the risk is lower than with nonselective agents, but caution is advised perioperatively.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desflurane and Selegiline 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; Selegiline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic interaction: MAO inhibition alters catecholamine handling and hemodynamic responses during anesthesia; the exact mechanism is not well established.
What to do
Inform the anesthesiologist of selegiline use and monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely during anesthesia. Avoid sympathomimetics and meperidine perioperatively.
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 Selegiline
- Amitriptyline + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Selegiline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Desflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desflurane with Selegiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desflurane and Selegiline 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. MAO inhibitors may alter responses to general anesthesia, with reports of labile blood pressure, agitation and autonomic instability. Selegiline at low oral doses is selective for MAO-B, so the risk is lower than with nonselective agents, but caution is advised perioperatively.
How serious is the interaction between Desflurane and Selegiline?
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 of selegiline use and monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely during anesthesia. Avoid sympathomimetics and meperidine perioperatively.
What other medicines interact with Selegiline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Selegiline with, for example, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine, Atomoxetine. The full list is on the Selegiline page.
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