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Drug interactions

Butabarbital + Efavirenz

Severity: Moderate

Butabarbital and Efavirenz: 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

Barbiturates induce CYP enzymes and may lower efavirenz levels, risking loss of virologic control. Additive sedation is also possible.

What this interaction means in plain words

Butabarbital and Efavirenz 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.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 induction by butabarbital increases efavirenz clearance.

What to do

Monitor HIV viral load and consider efavirenz concentrations; prefer a non-inducing sedative.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Butabarbital with Efavirenz?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Butabarbital and Efavirenz 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. Barbiturates induce CYP enzymes and may lower efavirenz levels, risking loss of virologic control. Additive sedation is also possible.

How serious is the interaction between Butabarbital and Efavirenz?

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 HIV viral load and consider efavirenz concentrations; prefer a non-inducing sedative.

What other medicines interact with Efavirenz?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Efavirenz with, for example, Cobimetinib, Dienogest / estradiol valerate, Dihydroergotamine intranasal. The full list is on the Efavirenz page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

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