Drug interactions
Diphenhydramine + Propofol
Severity: Moderate
Diphenhydramine 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
Diphenhydramine is strongly sedating and increases the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of propofol. Recovery may be prolonged, particularly in older adults.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenhydramine 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.
Diphenhydramine belongs to Respiratory; Propofol belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from H1 antagonism and GABA-A potentiation.
What to do
Reduce propofol dose and titrate to effect. Monitor sedation level, oxygenation and ventilation.
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 Propofol
Other interactions of Diphenhydramine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphenhydramine with Propofol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diphenhydramine 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. Diphenhydramine is strongly sedating and increases the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of propofol. Recovery may be prolonged, particularly in older adults.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenhydramine 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 propofol dose and titrate to effect. Monitor sedation level, oxygenation and ventilation.
What other medicines interact with Propofol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Propofol with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Propofol page.
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