Drug interactions
Isoflurane + Sufentanil sl
Severity: Major
Isoflurane and Sufentanil sl: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Opioids combined with general anesthetics can produce profound sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension and death. Sublingual sufentanil adds to the CNS and respiratory depressant effects of isoflurane.
What this interaction means in plain words
Isoflurane and Sufentanil sl 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.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic CNS and respiratory depression, with additive hypotension.
What to do
Reduce isoflurane requirements and titrate to effect under continuous monitoring of ventilation, oxygenation and blood pressure. Ensure airway support and opioid reversal are available.
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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References
Other interactions of Isoflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Isoflurane with Sufentanil sl?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Isoflurane and Sufentanil sl 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. Opioids combined with general anesthetics can produce profound sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension and death. Sublingual sufentanil adds to the CNS and respiratory depressant effects of isoflurane.
How serious is the interaction between Isoflurane and Sufentanil sl?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce isoflurane requirements and titrate to effect under continuous monitoring of ventilation, oxygenation and blood pressure. Ensure airway support and opioid reversal are available.
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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