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Drug interactions

Butalbital + Quinine

Severity: Moderate

Butalbital and Quinine: 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 CYP3A4 and lower quinine concentrations. Short-term use may have limited effect but sustained use could reduce efficacy.

What this interaction means in plain words

Butalbital and Quinine 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

CYP3A4 induction by butalbital increasing quinine metabolism.

What to do

Monitor clinical response during malaria treatment and avoid prolonged butalbital use. Choose an alternative analgesic if possible.

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 Quinine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Butalbital and Quinine 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 CYP3A4 and lower quinine concentrations. Short-term use may have limited effect but sustained use could reduce efficacy.

How serious is the interaction between Butalbital and Quinine?

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 clinical response during malaria treatment and avoid prolonged butalbital use. Choose an alternative analgesic if possible.

What other medicines interact with Quinine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Quinine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Quinine page.

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