Drug interactions
Cyclophosphamide + Pentobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Cyclophosphamide and Pentobarbital: 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
Barbiturates induce hepatic enzymes including CYP2B6 and CYP3A4, which can increase the formation of cyclophosphamide active metabolites. This may enhance toxicity such as myelosuppression and urotoxicity, although effects on efficacy are uncertain.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclophosphamide and Pentobarbital 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.
Why it happens
Enzyme induction (CYP2B6, CYP3A4) by pentobarbital increases cyclophosphamide bioactivation.
What to do
Monitor blood counts and for toxicity such as hemorrhagic cystitis during co-use. Prefer a non-inducing sedative or anticonvulsant where possible.
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?
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Other interactions of Cyclophosphamide
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclophosphamide with Pentobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyclophosphamide and Pentobarbital 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. Barbiturates induce hepatic enzymes including CYP2B6 and CYP3A4, which can increase the formation of cyclophosphamide active metabolites. This may enhance toxicity such as myelosuppression and urotoxicity, although effects on efficacy are uncertain.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclophosphamide and Pentobarbital?
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 blood counts and for toxicity such as hemorrhagic cystitis during co-use. Prefer a non-inducing sedative or anticonvulsant where possible.
What other medicines interact with Cyclophosphamide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyclophosphamide with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Belatacept, Bendamustine. The full list is on the Cyclophosphamide page.
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