Drug interactions
Ethanol + Propofol
Severity: Moderate
Ethanol 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
Alcohol on board increases the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of propofol, and propofol requirements may be altered in chronic users. Acute intoxication raises the risk of airway compromise and hypotension.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethanol 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression via GABA-A potentiation by both agents.
What to do
Ask about recent alcohol intake before sedation and reduce the initial propofol dose in intoxicated patients. Monitor airway, ventilation and blood pressure closely.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Ethanol and Propofol, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Propofol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethanol with Propofol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethanol 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. Alcohol on board increases the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of propofol, and propofol requirements may be altered in chronic users. Acute intoxication raises the risk of airway compromise and hypotension.
How serious is the interaction between Ethanol 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: Ask about recent alcohol intake before sedation and reduce the initial propofol dose in intoxicated patients. Monitor airway, ventilation and blood pressure closely.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
