Drug interactions
Amobarbital + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
Severity: Major
Amobarbital and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol: 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 induce hepatic enzymes and can speed up the metabolism of both ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel's active metabolite. This lowers hormone levels and may cause breakthrough bleeding and contraceptive failure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amobarbital and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol 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; Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 and other hepatic enzymes increasing clearance of contraceptive steroids.
What to do
Use an alternative non-hormonal or non-enzyme-dependent contraceptive method, such as a copper IUD or DMPA. Continue backup measures for several weeks after stopping the barbiturate.
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 Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
- Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Anastrozole + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Apalutamide + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Atazanavir + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Belzutifan + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol 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 Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amobarbital and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol 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 induce hepatic enzymes and can speed up the metabolism of both ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel's active metabolite. This lowers hormone levels and may cause breakthrough bleeding and contraceptive failure.
How serious is the interaction between Amobarbital and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use an alternative non-hormonal or non-enzyme-dependent contraceptive method, such as a copper IUD or DMPA. Continue backup measures for several weeks after stopping the barbiturate.
What other medicines interact with Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with, for example, Fezolinetant, Aminocaproic acid, Anastrozole. The full list is on the Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol page.
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