Drug interactions
Opium tincture + Propofol
Severity: Major
Opium tincture 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
Opium tincture contains morphine, and opioids combined with propofol produce additive sedation, respiratory depression and hypotension. The risk of apnea and airway obstruction rises, especially at induction.
What this interaction means in plain words
Opium tincture 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from opioid mu-receptor agonism and GABA-A potentiation by propofol.
What to do
Reduce propofol dose and titrate to effect with continuous monitoring of respiration, oxygen saturation and blood pressure. Have airway support and opioid reversal 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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Opium tincture and Propofol, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Propofol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Opium tincture with Propofol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Opium tincture 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. Opium tincture contains morphine, and opioids combined with propofol produce additive sedation, respiratory depression and hypotension. The risk of apnea and airway obstruction rises, especially at induction.
How serious is the interaction between Opium tincture 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 propofol dose and titrate to effect with continuous monitoring of respiration, oxygen saturation and blood pressure. Have airway support and opioid reversal 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
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
