Drug Interaction Report

Methylphenidate and Enflurane: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Methylphenidate and Enflurane interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Enflurane

No brand names on record
+

Methylphenidate

Adhansia XR® Aptensio Aptensio XR® Concerta Concerta® Cotempla Cotempla® XR-ODT Daytrana
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
LinkedIn
Interaction severity
Major
Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 71 documented Methylphenidate interactions, 57 are rated major — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
rapid
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Major

What happens

Increased risk of sudden blood pressure and heart rate increases

Interaction Deep Dive

Avoid use of methylphenidate in patients being treated with halogenated anesthetics on the day of surgery. Concomitant use of halogenated anesthetics and methylphenidate may increase the risk of sudden blood pressure and heart rate increases during surgery3124.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Unknown

Common questions

Can I take Methylphenidate and Enflurane together?

Increased risk of sudden blood pressure and heart rate increases Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Methylphenidate and Enflurane interaction?

It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "rapid". Effects can appear quickly, often within about 24 hours of combining the drugs.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

From our Q&A

Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Methylphenidate or Enflurane need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?

References (4)

  1. Product Information: COTEMPLA XR-ODT oral extended-release disintegrating tablets, methylphenidate oral extended-release disintegrating tablets. Neos Therapeutics Inc (per FDA), Grand Prairie, TX, 2023. DailyMed
  2. Product Information: DAYTRANA(R) transdermal system, methylphenidate transdermal system. Noven Therapeutics LLC (per FDA), Miami, FL, 2023. DailyMed
  3. Product Information: JORNAY PM(R) oral extended-release capsules, methylphenidate hydrochloride oral extended-release capsules. Ironshore Pharmaceuticals Inc (per FDA), Morrisville, NC, 2023. DailyMed
  4. Product Information: Ritalin LA(R) oral extended-release capsules, methylphenidate HCl oral extended-release capsules. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (per FDA), East Hanover, NJ, 2019. DailyMed
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Enflurane

Keep reading about Enflurane

All Enflurane interactions (37)
Also serious with: Octreotide Injection Amitriptyline Buprenorphine Foscarnet Injection
Methylphenidate

Keep reading about Methylphenidate

All Methylphenidate interactions (71) Methylphenidate drug information
Also serious with: Isocarboxazid Methylene Blue Ozanimod Linezolid
Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

Enflurane + Activated Charcoal Fever Bark Cannabis Coffee Charcoal Cowhage Datura Wrightii Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (thc) European Mandrake + 14 more
Methylphenidate + Activated Charcoal Ephedra Lithium Peyote Rauvolfia Vomitoria Sida Cordifolia 1,3-dmaa 1,3-dmba + 77 more

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.