Drug interactions
Amobarbital + Butalbital
Severity: Major
Amobarbital and Butalbital: 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
Both are barbiturates, so the combination increases sedation, psychomotor impairment and the risk of respiratory depression. Dependence and overdose risk also rise.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amobarbital and Butalbital 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 GABA-A receptor potentiation causing CNS and respiratory depression.
What to do
Avoid concurrent barbiturate use and select a single agent. If both are given, monitor sedation and breathing and limit doses.
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 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 Butalbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amobarbital and Butalbital 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. Both are barbiturates, so the combination increases sedation, psychomotor impairment and the risk of respiratory depression. Dependence and overdose risk also rise.
How serious is the interaction between Amobarbital and Butalbital?
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 concurrent barbiturate use and select a single agent. If both are given, monitor sedation and breathing and limit doses.
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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