Drug interactions
Oxycodone + Propofol
Severity: Major
Oxycodone 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 have additive sedative and respiratory depressant effects, with hypotension and apnea possible. This is used deliberately in anesthesia but needs a monitored setting and dose reduction.
What this interaction means in plain words
Oxycodone 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.
Oxycodone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Propofol belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression through opioid receptor agonism and GABA-A potentiation.
What to do
Use only where airway and ventilation can be supported and monitored, and reduce propofol and opioid doses accordingly. Titrate to effect with continuous pulse oximetry and capnography where 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 Oxycodone
- Alvimopan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Other interactions of Propofol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Oxycodone with Propofol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Oxycodone 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 have additive sedative and respiratory depressant effects, with hypotension and apnea possible. This is used deliberately in anesthesia but needs a monitored setting and dose reduction.
How serious is the interaction between Oxycodone 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: Use only where airway and ventilation can be supported and monitored, and reduce propofol and opioid doses accordingly. Titrate to effect with continuous pulse oximetry and capnography where available.
What other medicines interact with Oxycodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxycodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Oxycodone page.
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