Drug interactions
Chlordiazepoxide + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Chlordiazepoxide and Secobarbital: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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 benzodiazepines together cause additive CNS and respiratory depression, which can be profound. Secobarbital may also induce CYP3A4 and lower chlordiazepoxide levels over time, making the effect less predictable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlordiazepoxide 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.
Chlordiazepoxide belongs to Central Nervous System; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive GABA-A mediated CNS depression, with barbiturate induction of CYP3A4 metabolism of chlordiazepoxide.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if used, give the lowest doses and monitor sedation and respiratory function closely. Reassess chlordiazepoxide dosing if the barbiturate is started or stopped.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Chlordiazepoxide and Secobarbital, 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.
References
Other interactions of Chlordiazepoxide
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 Chlordiazepoxide with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlordiazepoxide 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 benzodiazepines together cause additive CNS and respiratory depression, which can be profound. Secobarbital may also induce CYP3A4 and lower chlordiazepoxide levels over time, making the effect less predictable.
How serious is the interaction between Chlordiazepoxide 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; if used, give the lowest doses and monitor sedation and respiratory function closely. Reassess chlordiazepoxide dosing if the barbiturate is started or stopped.
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.
