Drug interactions
Cyclobenzaprine + Pentobarbital
Severity: Major
Cyclobenzaprine and Pentobarbital: 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
Pentobarbital is a barbiturate with strong CNS depressant effects, and cyclobenzaprine is also sedating. The combination can produce excessive drowsiness, impaired coordination and respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclobenzaprine and Pentobarbital 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression; barbiturates also induce hepatic enzymes, which may lower cyclobenzaprine exposure.
What to do
Avoid combining if possible; otherwise reduce doses and monitor level of consciousness and respiration closely. Counsel patients against driving or operating machinery.
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 Cyclobenzaprine and Pentobarbital, 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 Cyclobenzaprine
- Cyclobenzaprine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclobenzaprine with Pentobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclobenzaprine and Pentobarbital 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. Pentobarbital is a barbiturate with strong CNS depressant effects, and cyclobenzaprine is also sedating. The combination can produce excessive drowsiness, impaired coordination and respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclobenzaprine and Pentobarbital?
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 combining if possible; otherwise reduce doses and monitor level of consciousness and respiration closely. Counsel patients against driving or operating machinery.
What other medicines interact with Cyclobenzaprine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyclobenzaprine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Cyclobenzaprine 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.
