Drug interactions
Meperidine + Propofol
Severity: Moderate
Meperidine 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
Opioids and propofol act synergistically, increasing sedation, hypotension, apnea and respiratory depression. Opioid premedication lowers the propofol dose required for anesthesia or sedation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Meperidine 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.
Meperidine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Propofol belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Synergistic CNS and respiratory depression via opioid receptors and GABA-A potentiation.
What to do
Titrate propofol to effect at a reduced dose and provide continuous monitoring of oxygenation, ventilation and blood pressure by trained staff with airway equipment available.
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 Meperidine
- Alvimopan + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Propofol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Meperidine with Propofol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Meperidine 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. Opioids and propofol act synergistically, increasing sedation, hypotension, apnea and respiratory depression. Opioid premedication lowers the propofol dose required for anesthesia or sedation.
How serious is the interaction between Meperidine 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: Titrate propofol to effect at a reduced dose and provide continuous monitoring of oxygenation, ventilation and blood pressure by trained staff with airway equipment available.
What other medicines interact with Meperidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meperidine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Meperidine page.
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