Drug interactions
Propofol + Sufentanil
Severity: Moderate
Propofol and Sufentanil: moderate 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
Propofol and sufentanil together produce deeper sedation and greater respiratory and cardiovascular depression than either drug alone. This is a standard combination in anesthesia but needs dose reduction of each agent. Apnea and hypotension are the main risks.
What this interaction means in plain words
Propofol and Sufentanil can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Propofol belongs to Central Nervous System; Sufentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression through GABA-A potentiation by propofol and mu-opioid agonism by sufentanil.
What to do
Reduce doses and titrate each agent to effect, with continuous monitoring of oxygenation, ventilation and blood pressure. Ensure airway support is available.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Propofol
Other interactions of Sufentanil
- Alprazolam + Sufentanil Major
- Amitriptyline + Sufentanil Major
- Amobarbital + Sufentanil Major
- Aripiprazole + Sufentanil Major
- Asenapine + Sufentanil Major
- Baclofen + Sufentanil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Propofol with Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Propofol and Sufentanil can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Propofol and sufentanil together produce deeper sedation and greater respiratory and cardiovascular depression than either drug alone. This is a standard combination in anesthesia but needs dose reduction of each agent. Apnea and hypotension are the main risks.
How serious is the interaction between Propofol and Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce doses and titrate each agent to effect, with continuous monitoring of oxygenation, ventilation and blood pressure. Ensure airway support is 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.
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