Drug interactions
Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Secobarbital: major 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
Secobarbital induces CYP3A4 and can lower buprenorphine levels, risking withdrawal or reduced effect. Barbiturates also add to the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of opioids.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Secobarbital can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 induction increases buprenorphine clearance, plus additive CNS and respiratory depression.
What to do
Monitor for withdrawal and oversedation. If the barbiturate cannot be avoided, consider switching to a buprenorphine form that allows dose adjustment.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Secobarbital
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Isavuconazonium + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Secobarbital Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine subdermal implant with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Secobarbital can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Secobarbital induces CYP3A4 and can lower buprenorphine levels, risking withdrawal or reduced effect. Barbiturates also add to the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of opioids.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for withdrawal and oversedation. If the barbiturate cannot be avoided, consider switching to a buprenorphine form that allows dose adjustment.
What other medicines interact with Secobarbital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Secobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Secobarbital page.
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