Drug interactions
Amobarbital + Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen
Severity: Major
Amobarbital and Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen: 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
Combining a barbiturate with an opioid produces additive CNS and respiratory depression, with risk of profound sedation, coma and death. Amobarbital also induces CYP3A4, which can lower hydrocodone exposure (the active metabolite) and may cause reduced analgesia, with risk of toxicity if the inducer is stopped. Enzyme induction may also increase formation of the toxic acetaminophen metabolite.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amobarbital and Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression plus CYP3A4 induction by amobarbital altering opioid and acetaminophen metabolism.
What to do
Reserve the combination for patients with no adequate alternatives, using the lowest doses and shortest duration, and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Reassess analgesic effect and adjust opioid dose if amobarbital is started or stopped.
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 Amobarbital
- Amobarbital + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Isavuconazonium Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amobarbital with Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amobarbital and Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen 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. Combining a barbiturate with an opioid produces additive CNS and respiratory depression, with risk of profound sedation, coma and death. Amobarbital also induces CYP3A4, which can lower hydrocodone exposure (the active metabolite) and may cause reduced analgesia, with risk of toxicity if the inducer is stopped. Enzyme induction may also increase formation of the toxic acetaminophen metabolite.
How serious is the interaction between Amobarbital and Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reserve the combination for patients with no adequate alternatives, using the lowest doses and shortest duration, and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Reassess analgesic effect and adjust opioid dose if amobarbital is started or stopped.
What other medicines interact with Amobarbital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Amobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Amobarbital page.
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