Drug interactions
Butabarbital + Zolpidem
Severity: Moderate
Butabarbital and Zolpidem: 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 an enzyme inducer and may lower zolpidem concentrations, which can reduce hypnotic efficacy. Both drugs are also sedatives, so additive CNS depression is possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butabarbital and Zolpidem 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 induction of CYP3A4 increases zolpidem clearance, plus additive CNS depression.
What to do
Monitor for reduced hypnotic effect and for excessive sedation. Avoid combining sedatives when possible.
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 Zolpidem
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butabarbital with Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Butabarbital and Zolpidem 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 an enzyme inducer and may lower zolpidem concentrations, which can reduce hypnotic efficacy. Both drugs are also sedatives, so additive CNS depression is possible.
How serious is the interaction between Butabarbital and Zolpidem?
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 for reduced hypnotic effect and for excessive sedation. Avoid combining sedatives when possible.
What other medicines interact with Zolpidem?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zolpidem with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Zolpidem page.
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