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Drug interactions

Dabrafenib + Secobarbital

Severity: Major

Dabrafenib and Secobarbital: major 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

Secobarbital may reduce dabrafenib exposure and compromise its efficacy. Dabrafenib itself is an inducer, so effects on the barbiturate and other drugs can also be complex.

What this interaction means in plain words

Dabrafenib 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.

Dabrafenib belongs to Oncology; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Barbiturate induction of CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 increases dabrafenib metabolism.

What to do

Avoid combination where possible and use a non-inducing hypnotic. Monitor tumor response if it cannot be avoided.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Dabrafenib with Secobarbital?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dabrafenib 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 may reduce dabrafenib exposure and compromise its efficacy. Dabrafenib itself is an inducer, so effects on the barbiturate and other drugs can also be complex.

How serious is the interaction between Dabrafenib 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 combination where possible and use a non-inducing hypnotic. Monitor tumor response if it cannot be avoided.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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