Drug interactions
Nalbuphine + Propofol
Severity: Major
Nalbuphine 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
Opioids and propofol act together to deepen sedation and anaesthesia, with enhanced respiratory depression, apnoea and hypotension. This is often used intentionally in anaesthesia but needs skilled supervision.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nalbuphine 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.
Nalbuphine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Propofol belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system and respiratory depression, with propofol-related vasodilation and hypotension.
What to do
Titrate each drug carefully, often with reduced propofol doses, and use only where airway management and continuous monitoring of oxygenation, ventilation and blood pressure 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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Other interactions of Nalbuphine
- Alvimopan + Nalbuphine Contraindicated
- Nalbuphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Nalbuphine Major
- Amobarbital + Nalbuphine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Nalbuphine Major
- Brexanolone + Nalbuphine Major
Other interactions of Propofol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nalbuphine with Propofol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Nalbuphine 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. Opioids and propofol act together to deepen sedation and anaesthesia, with enhanced respiratory depression, apnoea and hypotension. This is often used intentionally in anaesthesia but needs skilled supervision.
How serious is the interaction between Nalbuphine 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: Titrate each drug carefully, often with reduced propofol doses, and use only where airway management and continuous monitoring of oxygenation, ventilation and blood pressure are available.
What other medicines interact with Nalbuphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nalbuphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Alprazolam. The full list is on the Nalbuphine page.
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