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Drug interactions

Butalbital + Propafenone

Severity: Moderate

Butalbital and Propafenone: 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 that may induce hepatic enzymes involved in propafenone metabolism, potentially lowering propafenone levels and reducing arrhythmia control. Clinical data are limited and effect depends on duration of use.

What this interaction means in plain words

Butalbital and Propafenone 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.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Butalbital may induce CYP3A4 and CYP1A2, increasing propafenone clearance.

What to do

Monitor for loss of rhythm control and ECG changes with regular butalbital use. Adjust propafenone dose if needed.

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?

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 Propafenone?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Butalbital and Propafenone 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 that may induce hepatic enzymes involved in propafenone metabolism, potentially lowering propafenone levels and reducing arrhythmia control. Clinical data are limited and effect depends on duration of use.

How serious is the interaction between Butalbital and Propafenone?

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 loss of rhythm control and ECG changes with regular butalbital use. Adjust propafenone dose if needed.

What other medicines interact with Propafenone?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Propafenone with, for example, Dofetilide, Dronedarone, Nilotinib. The full list is on the Propafenone page.

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

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