Drug interactions
Amobarbital + Clozapine
Severity: Major
Amobarbital and Clozapine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Amobarbital can induce CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 and reduce clozapine concentrations, risking relapse. Both drugs cause sedation, and the combination of CNS depressants with clozapine raises concern for respiratory depression and hypotension.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amobarbital and Clozapine 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; Clozapine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Barbiturate induction of CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 lowers clozapine levels, with additive CNS depression.
What to do
Monitor psychiatric status, sedation and respiratory function, and consider clozapine plasma level monitoring with dose adjustment. Re-titrate carefully if amobarbital is stopped to avoid toxicity.
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
Other interactions of Clozapine
- Clozapine + Deferiprone Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Irinotecan Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acalabrutinib + Clozapine Major
- Adagrasib + Clozapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amobarbital with Clozapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amobarbital and Clozapine 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 can induce CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 and reduce clozapine concentrations, risking relapse. Both drugs cause sedation, and the combination of CNS depressants with clozapine raises concern for respiratory depression and hypotension.
How serious is the interaction between Amobarbital and Clozapine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor psychiatric status, sedation and respiratory function, and consider clozapine plasma level monitoring with dose adjustment. Re-titrate carefully if amobarbital is stopped to avoid toxicity.
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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