Ketamine and Sevoflurane interaction
Ketamine and Sevoflurane: both prescribing labels flag this combination with the strongest language, such as a contraindication, a boxed warning, or an instruction to avoid it.
Do not combine without a prescriber's guidance. The label language below is the strongest FDA uses.
What the FDA labels say
From the Ketamine (Ketalar) label · effective 2026-03-27
Benzodiazepines, Opioid Analgesics, or other CNS Depressants : Concomitant use may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, or death.
Benzodiazepines, Opioid Analgesics, or Other CNS Depressants Concomitant use of ketamine with opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death [see Drug Interactions ( 7.3 )] .
Closely monitor neurological status and respiratory parameters, including respiratory rate and pulse oximetry, when KETALR and opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, or other CNS depressants are co-administered.
Benzodiazepines, Opioid Analgesics, Or Other CNS Depressants Concomitant use of ketamine with opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] .
From the Sevoflurane (Ultane) label · effective 2025-01-13
Known or suspected sensitivity to sevoflurane or to other halogenated inhalational anesthetics.
Benzodiazepines and Opioids Benzodiazepines and opioids would be expected to decrease the MAC of sevoflurane in the same manner as with other inhalational anesthetics.
Nitrous Oxide As with other halogenated volatile anesthetics, the anesthetic requirement for sevoflurane is decreased when administered in combination with nitrous oxide.
Neuromuscular Blocking Agents As is the case with other volatile anesthetics, sevoflurane increases both the intensity and duration of neuromuscular blockade induced by nondepolarizing muscle relaxants.
As with other inhalational anesthetics, degradation and production of degradation products can occur when sevoflurane is exposed to desiccated absorbents.
Taking more than these two? Interactions stack. Check your whole list at once; it stays in your browser.
Open in the checkerNot medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.