Drug interactions
Dexmedetomidine + Levorphanol
Severity: Moderate
Dexmedetomidine and Levorphanol: 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
Opioids and dexmedetomidine have additive sedative and analgesic effects. Together they can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension and bradycardia, although this is sometimes used deliberately to reduce opioid requirements.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexmedetomidine and Levorphanol 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
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via mu-opioid agonism and central alpha-2 agonism.
What to do
Reduce doses and monitor respiratory rate, oxygenation, sedation and hemodynamics.
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 Dexmedetomidine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dexmedetomidine with Levorphanol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexmedetomidine and Levorphanol 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. Opioids and dexmedetomidine have additive sedative and analgesic effects. Together they can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension and bradycardia, although this is sometimes used deliberately to reduce opioid requirements.
How serious is the interaction between Dexmedetomidine and Levorphanol?
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 doses and monitor respiratory rate, oxygenation, sedation and hemodynamics.
What other medicines interact with Dexmedetomidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dexmedetomidine with, for example, Buprenorphine long-acting, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Dextromoramide. The full list is on the Dexmedetomidine page.
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