Drug interactions
Fluoxetine + Isoflurane
Severity: Moderate
Fluoxetine 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
Both can prolong the QT interval, so general anesthesia with isoflurane in a patient taking fluoxetine may add to arrhythmia risk. The effect is usually modest at standard fluoxetine doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fluoxetine 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.
Fluoxetine belongs to Central Nervous System; Isoflurane belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation from ion channel effects.
What to do
Tell the anesthesia team about fluoxetine use and review baseline ECG and electrolytes before surgery. Continue ECG monitoring intraoperatively and avoid other QT-prolonging drugs such as ondansetron where possible.
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 Fluoxetine
- Fluoxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Isoflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fluoxetine with Isoflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fluoxetine 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. Both can prolong the QT interval, so general anesthesia with isoflurane in a patient taking fluoxetine may add to arrhythmia risk. The effect is usually modest at standard fluoxetine doses.
How serious is the interaction between Fluoxetine 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: Tell the anesthesia team about fluoxetine use and review baseline ECG and electrolytes before surgery. Continue ECG monitoring intraoperatively and avoid other QT-prolonging drugs such as ondansetron where possible.
What other medicines interact with Fluoxetine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fluoxetine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Mavacamten, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Fluoxetine page.
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