Drug interactions
Cenobamate + Phenobarbitone
Severity: Moderate
Cenobamate and Phenobarbitone: 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
Cenobamate raises phenobarbital concentrations, which can increase sedation, dizziness and cognitive impairment. Both drugs also cause additive CNS depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cenobamate and Phenobarbitone 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.
Cenobamate belongs to Central Nervous System; Phenobarbitone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP2C19 by cenobamate reduces phenobarbital clearance.
What to do
Consider reducing the phenobarbital dose when starting cenobamate, and monitor sedation and serum phenobarbital levels.
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 Cenobamate
Other interactions of Phenobarbitone
- Cabotegravir + Phenobarbitone Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Phenobarbitone Contraindicated
- Isavuconazole + Phenobarbitone Contraindicated
- Darolutamide + Phenobarbitone Major
- Finerenone + Phenobarbitone Major
- Ivacaftor + Phenobarbitone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cenobamate with Phenobarbitone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cenobamate and Phenobarbitone 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. Cenobamate raises phenobarbital concentrations, which can increase sedation, dizziness and cognitive impairment. Both drugs also cause additive CNS depression.
How serious is the interaction between Cenobamate and Phenobarbitone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Consider reducing the phenobarbital dose when starting cenobamate, and monitor sedation and serum phenobarbital levels.
What other medicines interact with Cenobamate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cenobamate with, for example, Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol, Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone, Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel. The full list is on the Cenobamate page.
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