Drug interactions
Baclofen + Phenobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Baclofen and Phenobarbital: 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
Phenobarbital is a long-acting CNS depressant, and baclofen adds sedation, causing drowsiness, dizziness and impaired coordination. At higher doses or in vulnerable patients, respiratory depression can occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Baclofen and Phenobarbital 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 from GABA-A potentiation by phenobarbital and GABA-B agonism by baclofen.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for sedation and cognitive impairment, particularly when doses are adjusted. Avoid alcohol and other sedatives.
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 Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Baclofen and Phenobarbital 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. Phenobarbital is a long-acting CNS depressant, and baclofen adds sedation, causing drowsiness, dizziness and impaired coordination. At higher doses or in vulnerable patients, respiratory depression can occur.
How serious is the interaction between Baclofen and Phenobarbital?
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 sedation and cognitive impairment, particularly when doses are adjusted. Avoid alcohol and other sedatives.
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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