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Drug interactions

Meperidine + Sevoflurane

Severity: Moderate

Meperidine and Sevoflurane: 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 reduce the concentration of volatile anesthetic needed and add to respiratory depression and hypotension. The effect is expected and is managed in routine anesthesia practice.

What this interaction means in plain words

Meperidine and Sevoflurane 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; Sevoflurane belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

Additive CNS and respiratory depression via different pharmacological mechanisms.

What to do

Titrate sevoflurane to effect and monitor ventilation, oxygenation and hemodynamics continuously. Anticipate prolonged postoperative respiratory depression.

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?

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 Meperidine with Sevoflurane?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Meperidine and Sevoflurane 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 reduce the concentration of volatile anesthetic needed and add to respiratory depression and hypotension. The effect is expected and is managed in routine anesthesia practice.

How serious is the interaction between Meperidine and Sevoflurane?

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 sevoflurane to effect and monitor ventilation, oxygenation and hemodynamics continuously. Anticipate prolonged postoperative respiratory depression.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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