Drug interactions
Butalbital + Zolpidem
Severity: Moderate
Butalbital and Zolpidem: 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 CYP3A4 inducer that may reduce zolpidem exposure and effect. Both agents cause sedation, so additive CNS depression and impaired alertness are possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butalbital and Zolpidem 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
Barbiturate induction of CYP3A4 increases zolpidem clearance, plus additive CNS depression.
What to do
Monitor for diminished zolpidem effect and for excess sedation. Counsel the patient to avoid driving if drowsy.
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 Zolpidem
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butalbital with Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Butalbital and Zolpidem 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 CYP3A4 inducer that may reduce zolpidem exposure and effect. Both agents cause sedation, so additive CNS depression and impaired alertness are possible.
How serious is the interaction between Butalbital and Zolpidem?
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 diminished zolpidem effect and for excess sedation. Counsel the patient to avoid driving if drowsy.
What other medicines interact with Zolpidem?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zolpidem with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Zolpidem page.
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