The hidden world of drug interactions in anesthesia

Abstract Drug interactions represent the cornerstone in the basic anesthetic triangle and knowledge about such interactions contributes to a solid foundation for administering medications. This article dwells on the anesthetic drug interactions: pharmaceutical (mixing or not mixing), pharmacokinetic (alterations in distribution, metabolism, or clearance), pharmacodynamics (synergism, additive effect) and thermodynamic (affinity and intrinsic activity). The basic anesthetic triangle is a current concept and drug interactions are the cornerstone for safe anesthesia. These interactions are currently neglected and hence the anesthetist should recognize any drug interactions for a safer practice of anesthesia.