Drug interactions
Chlordiazepoxide + Primidone
Severity: Moderate
Chlordiazepoxide and Primidone: 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
Primidone, which is metabolized to phenobarbital, adds to the sedative effects of chlordiazepoxide. It also induces hepatic enzymes and can reduce benzodiazepine concentrations.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlordiazepoxide and Primidone 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.
Chlordiazepoxide belongs to Central Nervous System; Primidone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression plus induction of CYP3A4 and other hepatic enzymes by primidone and its phenobarbital metabolite.
What to do
Monitor for sedation and for loss of anxiolytic or anticonvulsant effect. Adjust chlordiazepoxide dose based on response.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Chlordiazepoxide and Primidone, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Chlordiazepoxide
Other interactions of Primidone
- Lorlatinib + Primidone Contraindicated
- Lurasidone + Primidone Contraindicated
- Primidone + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Primidone + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir Contraindicated
- Primidone + Voriconazole Contraindicated
- Abiraterone + Primidone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlordiazepoxide with Primidone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chlordiazepoxide and Primidone 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. Primidone, which is metabolized to phenobarbital, adds to the sedative effects of chlordiazepoxide. It also induces hepatic enzymes and can reduce benzodiazepine concentrations.
How serious is the interaction between Chlordiazepoxide and Primidone?
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 sedation and for loss of anxiolytic or anticonvulsant effect. Adjust chlordiazepoxide dose based on response.
What other medicines interact with Chlordiazepoxide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlordiazepoxide with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Chlordiazepoxide page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
