Drug interactions
Butabarbital + Erlotinib
Severity: Moderate
Butabarbital and Erlotinib: 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
Butabarbital is a barbiturate that can induce hepatic enzymes, which may speed up erlotinib clearance. Lower erlotinib exposure could reduce its antitumor effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butabarbital and Erlotinib 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.
Why it happens
Barbiturate-mediated induction of CYP3A4 increases erlotinib metabolism and lowers plasma concentrations.
What to do
Use an alternative sedative that does not induce enzymes if possible. If the combination is needed, monitor for loss of erlotinib response and consider a dose increase as described in the erlotinib labeling for strong inducers.
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?
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Other interactions of Erlotinib
- Amobarbital + Erlotinib Major
- Apalutamide + Erlotinib Major
- Carbamazepine + Erlotinib Major
- Cobicistat + Erlotinib Major
- Darunavir + Erlotinib Major
- Dexlansoprazole + Erlotinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butabarbital with Erlotinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Butabarbital and Erlotinib 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. Butabarbital is a barbiturate that can induce hepatic enzymes, which may speed up erlotinib clearance. Lower erlotinib exposure could reduce its antitumor effect.
How serious is the interaction between Butabarbital and Erlotinib?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use an alternative sedative that does not induce enzymes if possible. If the combination is needed, monitor for loss of erlotinib response and consider a dose increase as described in the erlotinib labeling for strong inducers.
What other medicines interact with Erlotinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Erlotinib with, for example, Amobarbital, Apalutamide, Carbamazepine. The full list is on the Erlotinib page.
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