Drug interactions
Ibutilide + Isoflurane
Severity: Major
Ibutilide and Isoflurane: major 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
Ibutilide is a potent class III antiarrhythmic with a substantial risk of torsades de pointes. Isoflurane can further lengthen repolarization, increasing this risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ibutilide and Isoflurane can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Ibutilide belongs to Cardiovascular; Isoflurane belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of cardiac repolarization; ibutilide blocks delayed rectifier potassium current.
What to do
Avoid giving ibutilide during isoflurane anesthesia where possible and use an alternative cardioversion strategy. If used, ensure continuous ECG monitoring, normal potassium and magnesium, and defibrillation readiness.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Isoflurane
Other interactions of Ibutilide
- Amiodarone + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Dolasetron + Ibutilide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ibutilide with Isoflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ibutilide and Isoflurane can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Ibutilide is a potent class III antiarrhythmic with a substantial risk of torsades de pointes. Isoflurane can further lengthen repolarization, increasing this risk.
How serious is the interaction between Ibutilide and Isoflurane?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid giving ibutilide during isoflurane anesthesia where possible and use an alternative cardioversion strategy. If used, ensure continuous ECG monitoring, normal potassium and magnesium, and defibrillation readiness.
What other medicines interact with Isoflurane?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Isoflurane with, for example, Adrenaline-articaine, Amisulpride, Arsenic trioxide. The full list is on the Isoflurane page.
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