Drug interactions
Amobarbital + Chlordiazepoxide
Severity: Major
Amobarbital and Chlordiazepoxide: 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
Barbiturates and benzodiazepines together produce marked additive sedation and respiratory depression. Amobarbital also induces hepatic enzymes and may lower chlordiazepoxide exposure over time, making the net effect unpredictable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amobarbital and Chlordiazepoxide 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; Chlordiazepoxide belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression at GABA-A receptors plus CYP3A4 induction by amobarbital, which increases chlordiazepoxide metabolism.
What to do
Avoid combining where possible; if needed, use the lowest doses and monitor respiratory rate and level of consciousness. Reassess benzodiazepine dosing when the barbiturate 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 Chlordiazepoxide
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 Chlordiazepoxide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amobarbital and Chlordiazepoxide 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 and benzodiazepines together produce marked additive sedation and respiratory depression. Amobarbital also induces hepatic enzymes and may lower chlordiazepoxide exposure over time, making the net effect unpredictable.
How serious is the interaction between Amobarbital and Chlordiazepoxide?
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 combining where possible; if needed, use the lowest doses and monitor respiratory rate and level of consciousness. Reassess benzodiazepine dosing when the barbiturate is started or stopped.
What other medicines interact with Chlordiazepoxide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlordiazepoxide with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Atazanavir. The full list is on the Chlordiazepoxide page.
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