Drug interactions
Clorazepate + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Clorazepate 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
Barbiturates and benzodiazepines together produce additive CNS and respiratory depression, which can be profound. Secobarbital also induces CYP3A4 and may lower the level of clorazepate's active metabolite, making the net effect variable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clorazepate 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.
Clorazepate belongs to Central Nervous System; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive GABA-A mediated CNS depression, with CYP3A4 induction by secobarbital altering benzodiazepine clearance.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if needed, use the lowest doses and monitor respiratory rate, consciousness and oxygen saturation. Reassess the clorazepate dose if barbiturate therapy 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?
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References
Other interactions of Clorazepate
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Clorazepate Contraindicated
- Clorazepate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Clorazepate Major
- Alprazolam + Clorazepate Major
- Amobarbital + Clorazepate Major
- Belladonna and opium + Clorazepate Major
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 Clorazepate with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clorazepate 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 produce additive CNS and respiratory depression, which can be profound. Secobarbital also induces CYP3A4 and may lower the level of clorazepate's active metabolite, making the net effect variable.
How serious is the interaction between Clorazepate 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 needed, use the lowest doses and monitor respiratory rate, consciousness and oxygen saturation. Reassess the clorazepate dose if barbiturate therapy is started or stopped.
What other medicines interact with Clorazepate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clorazepate with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Clorazepate page.
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