Drug interactions
Sevoflurane + Sodium oxybate
Severity: Major
Sevoflurane and Sodium oxybate: 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
Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS depressant, and sevoflurane is a general anesthetic with strong depressant effects on consciousness and breathing. Together they can cause deep sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Sevoflurane 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.
Sevoflurane belongs to Central Nervous System; Sodium oxybate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system and respiratory depression through GABAergic pharmacodynamic synergism.
What to do
Hold sodium oxybate before planned anesthesia where feasible and reduce anesthetic doses as needed. Provide airway support and continuous monitoring of ventilation and oxygenation during and after anesthesia.
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 Sevoflurane
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 Sevoflurane with Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Sevoflurane 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 sevoflurane is a general anesthetic with strong depressant effects on consciousness and breathing. Together they can cause deep sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
How serious is the interaction between Sevoflurane 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: Hold sodium oxybate before planned anesthesia where feasible and reduce anesthetic doses as needed. Provide airway support and continuous monitoring of ventilation and oxygenation during and after anesthesia.
What other medicines interact with Sevoflurane?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sevoflurane with, for example, Amiodarone, Amisulpride, Arsenic trioxide. The full list is on the Sevoflurane page.
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