Drug interactions
Diphenhydramine + Sevoflurane
Severity: Moderate
Diphenhydramine and Sevoflurane: 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 markedly sedating and can potentiate the CNS depression of sevoflurane. Awakening may be delayed and postoperative respiratory depression is more likely.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diphenhydramine and Sevoflurane 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; Sevoflurane belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from H1-antihistamine sedation and volatile anesthetic action.
What to do
Adjust sevoflurane dose to anesthetic depth monitoring. Monitor sedation and ventilation in recovery.
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 Sevoflurane
Other interactions of Diphenhydramine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diphenhydramine with Sevoflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diphenhydramine and Sevoflurane 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 markedly sedating and can potentiate the CNS depression of sevoflurane. Awakening may be delayed and postoperative respiratory depression is more likely.
How serious is the interaction between Diphenhydramine and Sevoflurane?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Adjust sevoflurane dose to anesthetic depth monitoring. Monitor sedation and ventilation in recovery.
What other medicines interact with Sevoflurane?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sevoflurane with, for example, Amiodarone, Amisulpride, Arsenic trioxide. The full list is on the Sevoflurane page.
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