Drug interactions
Clobazam + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Clobazam 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
Combining a barbiturate with a benzodiazepine produces additive CNS and respiratory depression, with a risk of profound sedation. Barbiturates may also lower clobazam levels via CYP3A4 induction.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clobazam 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.
Clobazam belongs to Central Nervous System; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive GABA-A potentiation, with CYP3A4 induction increasing clobazam metabolism.
What to do
Avoid unless clearly needed; use the lowest doses and monitor sedation and respiratory status. Reassess clobazam dosing if seizure control changes.
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 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
Other interactions of Clobazam
- Amobarbital + Clobazam Major
- Buprenorphine + Clobazam Major
- Butorphanol + Clobazam Major
- Carisoprodol + Clobazam Major
- Chloral hydrate + Clobazam Major
- Clobazam + Clozapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clobazam with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clobazam 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. Combining a barbiturate with a benzodiazepine produces additive CNS and respiratory depression, with a risk of profound sedation. Barbiturates may also lower clobazam levels via CYP3A4 induction.
How serious is the interaction between Clobazam 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 unless clearly needed; use the lowest doses and monitor sedation and respiratory status. Reassess clobazam dosing if seizure control changes.
What other medicines interact with Secobarbital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Secobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Secobarbital page.
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