Drug interactions
Butabarbital + Oxycodone
Severity: Major
Butabarbital and Oxycodone: 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 opioids both depress the CNS, so combining them can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma or death. Butabarbital may also lower oxycodone exposure through enzyme induction.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butabarbital and Oxycodone 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 CNS and respiratory depression, plus CYP3A4 induction by barbiturates that can reduce oxycodone levels.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if needed, use the lowest doses for the shortest duration and monitor respiratory status closely. Watch for reduced analgesia and for oxycodone toxicity if the barbiturate is stopped.
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 Oxycodone
- Alvimopan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butabarbital with Oxycodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Butabarbital and Oxycodone 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 opioids both depress the CNS, so combining them can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma or death. Butabarbital may also lower oxycodone exposure through enzyme induction.
How serious is the interaction between Butabarbital and Oxycodone?
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 the combination where possible; if needed, use the lowest doses for the shortest duration and monitor respiratory status closely. Watch for reduced analgesia and for oxycodone toxicity if the barbiturate is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Oxycodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxycodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Oxycodone page.
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