Drug interactions
Baclofen + Butabarbital
Severity: Moderate
Baclofen and Butabarbital: moderate 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 baclofen both depress CNS function, so the combination can cause marked drowsiness, impaired coordination and reduced respiratory drive. Elderly or debilitated patients are especially vulnerable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Baclofen and Butabarbital can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression via GABA-A potentiation by barbiturates and GABA-B agonism by baclofen.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for oversedation and respiratory depression. Counsel against alcohol and driving.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Baclofen
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Baclofen with Butabarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Baclofen and Butabarbital can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Barbiturates and baclofen both depress CNS function, so the combination can cause marked drowsiness, impaired coordination and reduced respiratory drive. Elderly or debilitated patients are especially vulnerable.
How serious is the interaction between Baclofen and Butabarbital?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for oversedation and respiratory depression. Counsel against alcohol and driving.
What other medicines interact with Baclofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Baclofen with, for example, Alfentanil, Amobarbital, Belladonna and opium. The full list is on the Baclofen page.
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