Drug interactions
Butabarbital + Clonazepam
Severity: Major
Butabarbital and Clonazepam: 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 benzodiazepines together produce additive sedation and respiratory depression, which can be dangerous in overdose or in vulnerable patients. Butabarbital may also induce hepatic enzymes and modestly lower clonazepam exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butabarbital and Clonazepam 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 GABA-A mediated CNS depression, with possible CYP3A4 induction by the barbiturate.
What to do
Avoid combining where possible; if needed use reduced doses and monitor sedation and respiration. Reassess seizure control if clonazepam is being used as an anticonvulsant.
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 Clonazepam
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Clonazepam Contraindicated
- Clonazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Clonazepam Major
- Alprazolam + Clonazepam Major
- Amobarbital + Clonazepam Major
- Belladonna and opium + Clonazepam Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butabarbital with Clonazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Butabarbital and Clonazepam 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 benzodiazepines together produce additive sedation and respiratory depression, which can be dangerous in overdose or in vulnerable patients. Butabarbital may also induce hepatic enzymes and modestly lower clonazepam exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Butabarbital and Clonazepam?
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 combining where possible; if needed use reduced doses and monitor sedation and respiration. Reassess seizure control if clonazepam is being used as an anticonvulsant.
What other medicines interact with Clonazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clonazepam with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Clonazepam page.
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