Drug interactions
Butalbital + Chloramphenicol
Severity: Moderate
Butalbital and Chloramphenicol: 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
Chloramphenicol may slow butalbital metabolism, increasing sedation. Butalbital, a barbiturate, may induce enzymes and lower chloramphenicol levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butalbital and Chloramphenicol 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
Chloramphenicol inhibits hepatic metabolism of butalbital while the barbiturate induces enzymes that clear chloramphenicol.
What to do
Monitor for excess sedation and for inadequate antibiotic response; check chloramphenicol levels if the combination is prolonged.
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 Chloramphenicol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butalbital with Chloramphenicol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Butalbital and Chloramphenicol 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. Chloramphenicol may slow butalbital metabolism, increasing sedation. Butalbital, a barbiturate, may induce enzymes and lower chloramphenicol levels.
How serious is the interaction between Butalbital and Chloramphenicol?
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 excess sedation and for inadequate antibiotic response; check chloramphenicol levels if the combination is prolonged.
What other medicines interact with Chloramphenicol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chloramphenicol with, for example, Adagrasib, Avapritinib, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Chloramphenicol page.
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