Drug interactions
Betaxolol + Phenobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Betaxolol 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 induces hepatic enzymes and may lower plasma levels of hepatically metabolized beta-blockers, reducing their effect. The change can reverse when phenobarbital is stopped.
What this interaction means in plain words
Betaxolol 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
Induction of hepatic CYP enzymes increases betaxolol metabolism.
What to do
Monitor heart rate and blood pressure when phenobarbital is started or stopped. Raise the betaxolol dose if needed and lower it again after discontinuation.
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 Betaxolol
- Acebutolol + Betaxolol Major
- Aldesleukin + Betaxolol Major
- Amifostine + Betaxolol Major
- Amiodarone + Betaxolol Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Betaxolol Major
- Atenolol + Betaxolol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Betaxolol with Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Betaxolol 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 induces hepatic enzymes and may lower plasma levels of hepatically metabolized beta-blockers, reducing their effect. The change can reverse when phenobarbital is stopped.
How serious is the interaction between Betaxolol 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: Monitor heart rate and blood pressure when phenobarbital is started or stopped. Raise the betaxolol dose if needed and lower it again after discontinuation.
What other medicines interact with Betaxolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Betaxolol with, for example, Acebutolol, Aldesleukin, Amifostine. The full list is on the Betaxolol page.
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