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Drug interactions

Levorphanol + Propofol

Severity: Major

Levorphanol and Propofol: 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

Levorphanol is a potent opioid, and with propofol it produces additive sedation, respiratory depression and hypotension. The risk of apnea and airway compromise is increased.

What this interaction means in plain words

Levorphanol and Propofol 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.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

Additive CNS and respiratory depression via mu-opioid agonism and GABA-A potentiation.

What to do

Reduce and slowly titrate propofol, with continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation, capnography and blood pressure. Keep airway and ventilatory support 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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Levorphanol with Propofol?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Levorphanol and Propofol 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. Levorphanol is a potent opioid, and with propofol it produces additive sedation, respiratory depression and hypotension. The risk of apnea and airway compromise is increased.

How serious is the interaction between Levorphanol and Propofol?

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 and slowly titrate propofol, with continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation, capnography and blood pressure. Keep airway and ventilatory support available.

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

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