Drug interactions
Propofol + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Propofol and Secobarbital: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Combining a barbiturate with propofol produces additive sedation and may cause pronounced respiratory depression and hypotension. This is especially relevant in procedural sedation and anesthesia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Propofol and Secobarbital 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.
Propofol belongs to Central Nervous System; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive GABA-A mediated CNS and respiratory depression.
What to do
Reduce the propofol dose and titrate to effect with continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation, ventilation and blood pressure. Ensure airway support is 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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References
Other interactions of Secobarbital
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Isavuconazonium + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Secobarbital Contraindicated
Other interactions of Propofol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Propofol with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Propofol and Secobarbital 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. Combining a barbiturate with propofol produces additive sedation and may cause pronounced respiratory depression and hypotension. This is especially relevant in procedural sedation and anesthesia.
How serious is the interaction between Propofol and Secobarbital?
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 the propofol dose and titrate to effect with continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation, ventilation and blood pressure. Ensure airway support is available.
What other medicines interact with Secobarbital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Secobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Secobarbital page.
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