Drug interactions
Brimonidine + Butalbital
Severity: Moderate
Brimonidine 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
Brimonidine can cause drowsiness through systemic alpha-2 agonism, and butalbital is a sedating barbiturate. Together they may produce greater sedation and impaired concentration.
What this interaction means in plain words
Brimonidine 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 from alpha-2 agonism and barbiturate potentiation of GABA-A receptors.
What to do
Warn patients about increased drowsiness and advise avoiding driving or hazardous tasks. Use the lowest effective butalbital dose and monitor for oversedation.
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 Brimonidine
- Brimonidine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Brimonidine with Butalbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Brimonidine 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. Brimonidine can cause drowsiness through systemic alpha-2 agonism, and butalbital is a sedating barbiturate. Together they may produce greater sedation and impaired concentration.
How serious is the interaction between Brimonidine 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: Warn patients about increased drowsiness and advise avoiding driving or hazardous tasks. Use the lowest effective butalbital dose and monitor for oversedation.
What other medicines interact with Brimonidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Brimonidine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Brimonidine page.
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