Drug interactions
Butalbital + Carisoprodol
Severity: Major
Butalbital and Carisoprodol: 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
Butalbital is a barbiturate and, with carisoprodol, causes additive central nervous system depression. This may lead to marked drowsiness, impaired coordination and respiratory depression, especially at higher doses or if opioids are also in the product.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butalbital and Carisoprodol 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 depression through GABA-A enhancement.
What to do
Avoid combined use if possible; otherwise limit the dose and duration and monitor sedation and breathing. Warn the patient not to drive or drink alcohol.
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 Carisoprodol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butalbital with Carisoprodol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Butalbital and Carisoprodol 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. Butalbital is a barbiturate and, with carisoprodol, causes additive central nervous system depression. This may lead to marked drowsiness, impaired coordination and respiratory depression, especially at higher doses or if opioids are also in the product.
How serious is the interaction between Butalbital and Carisoprodol?
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 combined use if possible; otherwise limit the dose and duration and monitor sedation and breathing. Warn the patient not to drive or drink alcohol.
What other medicines interact with Carisoprodol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Carisoprodol with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Carisoprodol page.
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