Drug interactions
Butorphanol + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Butorphanol 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
Barbiturates and opioids cause additive CNS and respiratory depression, with a risk of profound sedation, respiratory failure and death. Barbiturates may also induce hepatic enzymes, which can alter exposure to other drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butorphanol 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.
Butorphanol belongs to Musculoskeletal; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via opioid receptors and barbiturate GABA-A potentiation.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use where possible; if necessary, start with reduced doses and monitor sedation and respiratory rate closely. Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants.
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 Butorphanol
- Butorphanol + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Butorphanol Major
- Alprazolam + Butorphanol Major
- Alvimopan + Butorphanol Major
- Amobarbital + Butorphanol Major
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 Butorphanol with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Butorphanol 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. Barbiturates and opioids cause additive CNS and respiratory depression, with a risk of profound sedation, respiratory failure and death. Barbiturates may also induce hepatic enzymes, which can alter exposure to other drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Butorphanol 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 concurrent use where possible; if necessary, start with reduced doses and monitor sedation and respiratory rate closely. Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants.
What other medicines interact with Butorphanol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Butorphanol with, for example, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Butorphanol page.
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