Drug interactions
Butabarbital + Clorazepate
Severity: Major
Butabarbital and Clorazepate: 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. Butabarbital may also induce hepatic enzymes and lower clorazepate exposure over time.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butabarbital and Clorazepate 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 if possible; otherwise use the lowest doses and monitor sedation and respiratory function. Reassess benzodiazepine efficacy during long-term co-use.
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 Clorazepate
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Clorazepate Contraindicated
- Clorazepate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Clorazepate Major
- Alprazolam + Clorazepate Major
- Amobarbital + Clorazepate Major
- Belladonna and opium + Clorazepate Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butabarbital with Clorazepate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Butabarbital and Clorazepate 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. Butabarbital may also induce hepatic enzymes and lower clorazepate exposure over time.
How serious is the interaction between Butabarbital and Clorazepate?
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 if possible; otherwise use the lowest doses and monitor sedation and respiratory function. Reassess benzodiazepine efficacy during long-term co-use.
What other medicines interact with Clorazepate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clorazepate with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Clorazepate page.
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