Drug interactions
Amobarbital + Ethanol
Severity: Major
Amobarbital and Ethanol: 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
Alcohol and barbiturates together cause marked additive CNS and respiratory depression, which may be fatal. Acute alcohol also inhibits barbiturate metabolism, while chronic use induces it, making effects unpredictable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amobarbital and Ethanol 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 mediated CNS depression, with variable effects on barbiturate metabolism.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid alcohol entirely during barbiturate therapy. Monitor for respiratory depression if exposure occurs.
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
- Dehydrated Alcohol (Absolute Alcohol) BP for Injection - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: hypnotics; "Alcohol may enhance the acute effects of drugs which depress the central nervous system, such as hypnotics, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, opioid analgesics,") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
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 Ethanol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amobarbital and Ethanol 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. Alcohol and barbiturates together cause marked additive CNS and respiratory depression, which may be fatal. Acute alcohol also inhibits barbiturate metabolism, while chronic use induces it, making effects unpredictable.
How serious is the interaction between Amobarbital and Ethanol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid alcohol entirely during barbiturate therapy. Monitor for respiratory depression if exposure occurs.
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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