Drug interactions
Propofol + Tapentadol
Severity: Moderate
Propofol and Tapentadol: 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
Opioids reduce the propofol dose needed for sedation or anesthesia, and together they increase the risk of hypotension, apnea and prolonged recovery. This is expected during procedures but needs deliberate dose control.
What this interaction means in plain words
Propofol and Tapentadol 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; Tapentadol belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via mu-opioid agonism and GABA-A potentiation.
What to do
Titrate propofol to effect with continuous monitoring of oxygenation, ventilation and blood pressure, and be ready to support the airway. Anesthesia staff should be aware of recent tapentadol use.
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 Tapentadol
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tapentadol Contraindicated
Other interactions of Propofol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Propofol with Tapentadol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Propofol and Tapentadol 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. Opioids reduce the propofol dose needed for sedation or anesthesia, and together they increase the risk of hypotension, apnea and prolonged recovery. This is expected during procedures but needs deliberate dose control.
How serious is the interaction between Propofol and Tapentadol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Titrate propofol to effect with continuous monitoring of oxygenation, ventilation and blood pressure, and be ready to support the airway. Anesthesia staff should be aware of recent tapentadol use.
What other medicines interact with Tapentadol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tapentadol with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid. The full list is on the Tapentadol page.
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