Drug interactions
Sevoflurane + Sufentanil
Severity: Major
Sevoflurane and Sufentanil: 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
Sufentanil is a highly potent opioid that is routinely combined with sevoflurane, but the combination markedly increases sedation, respiratory depression, bradycardia and hypotension. The anesthetic requirement is reduced.
What this interaction means in plain words
Sevoflurane and Sufentanil 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; Sufentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via mu-opioid agonism and volatile anesthetic action.
What to do
Titrate both drugs to effect with continuous monitoring of ventilation, oxygenation, heart rate and blood pressure. Ensure airway support and opioid reversal are 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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Other interactions of Sevoflurane
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 Sevoflurane with Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Sevoflurane and Sufentanil 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. Sufentanil is a highly potent opioid that is routinely combined with sevoflurane, but the combination markedly increases sedation, respiratory depression, bradycardia and hypotension. The anesthetic requirement is reduced.
How serious is the interaction between Sevoflurane and Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Titrate both drugs to effect with continuous monitoring of ventilation, oxygenation, heart rate and blood pressure. Ensure airway support and opioid reversal are available.
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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