Drug interactions
Butalbital + Perphenazine
Severity: Moderate
Butalbital and Perphenazine: 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 is a barbiturate and adds to the sedative effect of perphenazine, which may cause drowsiness, impaired coordination and respiratory depression. Enzyme induction by barbiturates may also reduce perphenazine concentrations.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butalbital and Perphenazine 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, with possible barbiturate-mediated CYP induction lowering perphenazine levels.
What to do
Monitor for oversedation and loss of antipsychotic effect. Limit butalbital use and advise avoiding alcohol and driving.
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 Perphenazine
- Ibutilide + Perphenazine Contraindicated
- Perphenazine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Perphenazine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Perphenazine Major
- Alfentanil + Perphenazine Major
- Amiodarone + Perphenazine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butalbital with Perphenazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Butalbital and Perphenazine 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 is a barbiturate and adds to the sedative effect of perphenazine, which may cause drowsiness, impaired coordination and respiratory depression. Enzyme induction by barbiturates may also reduce perphenazine concentrations.
How serious is the interaction between Butalbital and Perphenazine?
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 oversedation and loss of antipsychotic effect. Limit butalbital use and advise avoiding alcohol and driving.
What other medicines interact with Perphenazine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Perphenazine with, for example, Ibutilide, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Perphenazine page.
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