Drug interactions
Amobarbital + Buprenorphine
Severity: Major
Amobarbital and Buprenorphine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Barbiturates add to opioid sedation and respiratory depression, which can be fatal. Amobarbital also induces CYP3A4 and may lower buprenorphine concentrations, risking reduced effect or withdrawal.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amobarbital and Buprenorphine 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.
Amobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System; Buprenorphine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression plus CYP3A4 induction by amobarbital increasing buprenorphine clearance.
What to do
Avoid if possible; if used, monitor respiratory status and sedation and watch for withdrawal or loss of effect. Adjust buprenorphine dose and have naloxone 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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References
Other interactions of Buprenorphine
- Alvimopan + Buprenorphine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
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 Buprenorphine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amobarbital and Buprenorphine 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. Barbiturates add to opioid sedation and respiratory depression, which can be fatal. Amobarbital also induces CYP3A4 and may lower buprenorphine concentrations, risking reduced effect or withdrawal.
How serious is the interaction between Amobarbital and Buprenorphine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible; if used, monitor respiratory status and sedation and watch for withdrawal or loss of effect. Adjust buprenorphine dose and have naloxone available.
What other medicines interact with Buprenorphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Buprenorphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Buprenorphine page.
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