Drug interactions
Butabarbital + Carisoprodol
Severity: Major
Butabarbital and Carisoprodol: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Barbiturates and carisoprodol both depress the central nervous system, so the combination can cause deep sedation and respiratory depression. Carisoprodol is metabolized to meprobamate, which is itself a sedative-hypnotic with barbiturate-like effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butabarbital and Carisoprodol 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
Additive CNS depression through GABA-A enhancement.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use where possible, or use reduced doses with close monitoring of sedation and breathing. Advise against alcohol, driving and other depressants.
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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References
Other interactions of Carisoprodol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butabarbital with Carisoprodol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Butabarbital and Carisoprodol 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. Barbiturates and carisoprodol both depress the central nervous system, so the combination can cause deep sedation and respiratory depression. Carisoprodol is metabolized to meprobamate, which is itself a sedative-hypnotic with barbiturate-like effects.
How serious is the interaction between Butabarbital and Carisoprodol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use where possible, or use reduced doses with close monitoring of sedation and breathing. Advise against alcohol, driving and other depressants.
What other medicines interact with Carisoprodol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Carisoprodol with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Carisoprodol page.
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