Drug interactions
Amobarbital + Clorazepate
Severity: Major
Amobarbital and Clorazepate: 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 both depress the CNS, so combined use can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression and coma. Amobarbital also induces CYP3A4 and may lower exposure to clorazepate's active metabolite, making the net effect less predictable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amobarbital and Clorazepate 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; Clorazepate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive GABAergic CNS and respiratory depression, plus CYP3A4 induction by amobarbital that increases clearance of the benzodiazepine.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, or use the lowest doses with close monitoring of sedation and respiratory status. Reassess clorazepate 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 Clorazepate
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Clorazepate Contraindicated
- Clorazepate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Clorazepate Major
- Alprazolam + Clorazepate Major
- Belladonna and opium + Clorazepate Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Clorazepate Major
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 Clorazepate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amobarbital and Clorazepate 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 both depress the CNS, so combined use can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression and coma. Amobarbital also induces CYP3A4 and may lower exposure to clorazepate's active metabolite, making the net effect less predictable.
How serious is the interaction between Amobarbital and Clorazepate?
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 the combination where possible, or use the lowest doses with close monitoring of sedation and respiratory status. Reassess clorazepate dosing when the barbiturate is started or stopped.
What other medicines interact with Clorazepate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clorazepate with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Clorazepate page.
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