Drug interactions
Brivaracetam + Phenobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Brivaracetam 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 can modestly lower brivaracetam plasma concentrations by inducing its metabolism, and both drugs cause sedation. The combination may cause additive drowsiness while seizure protection from brivaracetam could be slightly reduced.
What this interaction means in plain words
Brivaracetam 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
Phenobarbital induces hepatic enzymes including CYP2C19, increasing brivaracetam clearance, and both drugs have additive CNS depressant effects.
What to do
Monitor seizure control and sedation, and increase the brivaracetam dose if the response is inadequate. Phenobarbital levels may also be monitored.
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 Brivaracetam
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Brivaracetam with Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Brivaracetam 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 can modestly lower brivaracetam plasma concentrations by inducing its metabolism, and both drugs cause sedation. The combination may cause additive drowsiness while seizure protection from brivaracetam could be slightly reduced.
How serious is the interaction between Brivaracetam 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 seizure control and sedation, and increase the brivaracetam dose if the response is inadequate. Phenobarbital levels may also be monitored.
What other medicines interact with Brivaracetam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Brivaracetam with, for example, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen, Sodium oxybate, Acetaminophen / phenyltoloxamine. The full list is on the Brivaracetam page.
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