Drug interactions
Butabarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone
Severity: Major
Butabarbital and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone: major 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 hepatic enzymes and can lower contraceptive hormone levels. This can lead to breakthrough bleeding and contraceptive failure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butabarbital and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone 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
Butabarbital induces CYP3A4 and other hepatic enzymes, increasing clearance of ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone.
What to do
Use a non-hormonal or non-enzyme-dependent contraceptive such as an intrauterine device during therapy. Continue backup methods for a period after stopping the barbiturate.
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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Other interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butabarbital with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Butabarbital and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone 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 induce hepatic enzymes and can lower contraceptive hormone levels. This can lead to breakthrough bleeding and contraceptive failure.
How serious is the interaction between Butabarbital and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use a non-hormonal or non-enzyme-dependent contraceptive such as an intrauterine device during therapy. Continue backup methods for a period after stopping the barbiturate.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone page.
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