Drug interactions
Carisoprodol + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Carisoprodol 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
Secobarbital is a barbiturate hypnotic and carisoprodol is metabolized to meprobamate, which has barbiturate-like sedative activity. Combined use can produce profound sedation, respiratory depression and impaired consciousness, and the risk is higher with larger doses, alcohol or in older patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carisoprodol 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.
Carisoprodol belongs to Musculoskeletal; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression through GABA-A potentiation by the barbiturate and by meprobamate, the active metabolite of carisoprodol.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, or use the lowest doses for the shortest time. Monitor level of consciousness and respiration, and counsel against alcohol and driving.
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 Carisoprodol
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 Carisoprodol with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Carisoprodol 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. Secobarbital is a barbiturate hypnotic and carisoprodol is metabolized to meprobamate, which has barbiturate-like sedative activity. Combined use can produce profound sedation, respiratory depression and impaired consciousness, and the risk is higher with larger doses, alcohol or in older patients.
How serious is the interaction between Carisoprodol 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 the combination where possible, or use the lowest doses for the shortest time. Monitor level of consciousness and respiration, and counsel against alcohol and driving.
What other medicines interact with Carisoprodol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Carisoprodol with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Carisoprodol page.
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