Drug interactions
Butalbital + Diazepam
Severity: Moderate
Butalbital and Diazepam: 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
Butalbital, a barbiturate, increases the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of diazepam. Chronic use may induce hepatic enzymes and reduce diazepam concentrations, so the net effect varies.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butalbital and Diazepam 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
Additive CNS depression, plus barbiturate-mediated induction of CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 that increases diazepam clearance.
What to do
Monitor for excessive sedation and psychomotor impairment, and warn patients against driving. Adjust diazepam dose if efficacy changes after the barbiturate is started or stopped.
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 Diazepam
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butalbital with Diazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Butalbital and Diazepam 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. Butalbital, a barbiturate, increases the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of diazepam. Chronic use may induce hepatic enzymes and reduce diazepam concentrations, so the net effect varies.
How serious is the interaction between Butalbital and Diazepam?
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 excessive sedation and psychomotor impairment, and warn patients against driving. Adjust diazepam dose if efficacy changes after the barbiturate is started or stopped.
What other medicines interact with Diazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diazepam with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Alfentanil, Alprazolam. The full list is on the Diazepam page.
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