Drug interactions
Dantrolene + Phenobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Dantrolene and Phenobarbital: 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
Phenobarbital induces CYP3A4 and may lower dantrolene exposure, with potential loss of effect. Both drugs also cause sedation, and enzyme induction could increase formation of dantrolene's hepatotoxic metabolites, though this is theoretical.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dantrolene and Phenobarbital 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
Phenobarbital induces hepatic and intestinal enzymes, which may increase dantrolene clearance; additive CNS depression also occurs.
What to do
Monitor spasticity response and liver function tests, and adjust dantrolene dose to clinical effect. Watch for additive sedation.
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 Dantrolene
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dantrolene with Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dantrolene and Phenobarbital 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. Phenobarbital induces CYP3A4 and may lower dantrolene exposure, with potential loss of effect. Both drugs also cause sedation, and enzyme induction could increase formation of dantrolene's hepatotoxic metabolites, though this is theoretical.
How serious is the interaction between Dantrolene and Phenobarbital?
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 spasticity response and liver function tests, and adjust dantrolene dose to clinical effect. Watch for additive sedation.
What other medicines interact with Dantrolene?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dantrolene with, for example, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen, Buprenorphine long-acting, Buprenorphine subdermal implant. The full list is on the Dantrolene page.
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