Drug interactions
Dexfenfluramine + Isoflurane
Severity: Moderate
Dexfenfluramine and Isoflurane: 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 halogenated anesthetics sensitize the myocardium to catecholamines, and sympathomimetic anorectic agents may add to this effect. This may cause ventricular arrhythmias or hypertension during anesthesia. Dexfenfluramine has been withdrawn in most markets.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexfenfluramine and Isoflurane 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.
Why it happens
Myocardial sensitization to catecholamines by isoflurane combined with sympathomimetic or serotonergic effects; mechanism not firmly established.
What to do
Disclose use of the stimulant to the anesthesia team and consider holding it before elective surgery. Monitor ECG and blood pressure and treat arrhythmias or hypertension 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 Isoflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dexfenfluramine with Isoflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexfenfluramine and Isoflurane 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 halogenated anesthetics sensitize the myocardium to catecholamines, and sympathomimetic anorectic agents may add to this effect. This may cause ventricular arrhythmias or hypertension during anesthesia. Dexfenfluramine has been withdrawn in most markets.
How serious is the interaction between Dexfenfluramine and Isoflurane?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Disclose use of the stimulant to the anesthesia team and consider holding it before elective surgery. Monitor ECG and blood pressure and treat arrhythmias or hypertension promptly.
What other medicines interact with Isoflurane?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Isoflurane with, for example, Adrenaline-articaine, Amisulpride, Arsenic trioxide. The full list is on the Isoflurane page.
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