Drug interactions
Butabarbital + Simvastatin
Severity: Moderate
Butabarbital and Simvastatin: 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 CYP3A4, which is the main pathway for simvastatin clearance. Simvastatin exposure may fall and reduce its cholesterol-lowering effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butabarbital and Simvastatin 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
Butabarbital induces CYP3A4 and intestinal metabolism, increasing simvastatin clearance.
What to do
Monitor the lipid profile and increase the simvastatin dose if needed, or switch to a statin less dependent on CYP3A4 such as rosuvastatin or pravastatin.
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 Simvastatin
- Atazanavir + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Danazol + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Simvastatin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butabarbital with Simvastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Butabarbital and Simvastatin 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 CYP3A4, which is the main pathway for simvastatin clearance. Simvastatin exposure may fall and reduce its cholesterol-lowering effect.
How serious is the interaction between Butabarbital and Simvastatin?
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 the lipid profile and increase the simvastatin dose if needed, or switch to a statin less dependent on CYP3A4 such as rosuvastatin or pravastatin.
What other medicines interact with Simvastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Simvastatin with, for example, Atazanavir, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Simvastatin page.
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