Drug interactions
Butalbital + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Butalbital and Secobarbital: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Both are barbiturates, so combined use causes additive CNS depression with excessive drowsiness and possible respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butalbital and Secobarbital 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.
Why it happens
Additive GABA-A receptor potentiation.
What to do
Avoid using both together; choose one agent. If concurrent use is unavoidable, monitor sedation and respiratory function.
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?
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References
Other interactions of Secobarbital
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Isavuconazonium + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Secobarbital Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butalbital with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Butalbital and Secobarbital 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. Both are barbiturates, so combined use causes additive CNS depression with excessive drowsiness and possible respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Butalbital and Secobarbital?
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 using both together; choose one agent. If concurrent use is unavoidable, monitor sedation and respiratory function.
What other medicines interact with Secobarbital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Secobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Secobarbital page.
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