Drug interactions
Cyproheptadine + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Cyproheptadine 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
Secobarbital is a barbiturate hypnotic and cyproheptadine is a sedating antihistamine. Combined use can cause additive sedation and impaired coordination, and may contribute to respiratory depression at higher doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyproheptadine 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.
Cyproheptadine belongs to Respiratory; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from H1 antagonism and GABA-A potentiation by the barbiturate.
What to do
Avoid combining where possible; if necessary use reduced doses and monitor sedation and respiratory status. Advise against driving and alcohol.
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 Cyproheptadine
- Cyproheptadine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Cyproheptadine Major
- Belladonna and opium + Cyproheptadine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Cyproheptadine 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 Cyproheptadine with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyproheptadine 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. Secobarbital is a barbiturate hypnotic and cyproheptadine is a sedating antihistamine. Combined use can cause additive sedation and impaired coordination, and may contribute to respiratory depression at higher doses.
How serious is the interaction between Cyproheptadine 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 combining where possible; if necessary use reduced doses and monitor sedation and respiratory status. Advise against driving and alcohol.
What other medicines interact with Cyproheptadine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyproheptadine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Cyproheptadine page.
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