Drug interactions
Propofol + Sodium oxybate
Severity: Major
Propofol and Sodium oxybate: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS depressant, and with propofol can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Anesthetic sedation in patients taking oxybate needs particular care.
What this interaction means in plain words
Propofol and Sodium oxybate 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; Sodium oxybate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via GABA-B/GABA-A mediated effects.
What to do
Avoid combined use where possible; if propofol is needed, reduce doses, titrate carefully and monitor continuously with capnography and airway support.
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
- Propofol 1% (10 mg/ml) emulsion for injection or infusion - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: CNS depressants; "The concurrent administration of other CNS depressants such as pre-medication medicinal products, inhalation medicinal products, analgesic medicinal products ma") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Propofol
Other interactions of Sodium oxybate
- Alprazolam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Chloral hydrate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clonazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clorazepate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Propofol with Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Propofol and Sodium oxybate 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. Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS depressant, and with propofol can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Anesthetic sedation in patients taking oxybate needs particular care.
How serious is the interaction between Propofol and Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combined use where possible; if propofol is needed, reduce doses, titrate carefully and monitor continuously with capnography and airway support.
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.
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