Drug interactions
Baclofen + Butalbital
Severity: Moderate
Baclofen and Butalbital: 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
Butalbital is a barbiturate and adds to the sedating effect of baclofen, which may produce drowsiness, dizziness and impaired psychomotor performance. Respiratory depression is possible at higher doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Baclofen and Butalbital 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 butalbital and GABA-B agonism by baclofen.
What to do
Monitor for excess sedation and limit butalbital to the lowest effective dose and frequency. Advise avoiding alcohol and driving until tolerance is clear.
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 Butalbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Baclofen and Butalbital 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. Butalbital is a barbiturate and adds to the sedating effect of baclofen, which may produce drowsiness, dizziness and impaired psychomotor performance. Respiratory depression is possible at higher doses.
How serious is the interaction between Baclofen and Butalbital?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for excess sedation and limit butalbital to the lowest effective dose and frequency. Advise avoiding alcohol and driving until tolerance is clear.
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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