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Drug interactions

Butalbital + Praziquantel

Severity: Major

Butalbital and Praziquantel: major 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 enzyme inducer that can lower praziquantel levels. This may cause treatment failure.

What this interaction means in plain words

Butalbital and Praziquantel 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.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

CYP3A4 induction by butalbital increases praziquantel metabolism.

What to do

Avoid butalbital during praziquantel therapy, particularly for short courses, and use an alternative analgesic. If unavoidable, confirm parasitological response.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Butalbital with Praziquantel?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Butalbital and Praziquantel 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 enzyme inducer that can lower praziquantel levels. This may cause treatment failure.

How serious is the interaction between Butalbital and Praziquantel?

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 butalbital during praziquantel therapy, particularly for short courses, and use an alternative analgesic. If unavoidable, confirm parasitological response.

What other medicines interact with Praziquantel?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Praziquantel with, for example, Enzalutamide, Rifampin, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Praziquantel page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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