Drug interactions
Dapsone + Phenobarbital
Severity: Minor
Dapsone and Phenobarbital: minor 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 is a broad enzyme inducer and may reduce dapsone concentrations. This could weaken antimicrobial effect, although the magnitude in practice is uncertain.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dapsone and Phenobarbital have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Phenobarbital induces hepatic CYP enzymes including CYP3A4, increasing dapsone clearance.
What to do
Monitor clinical response to dapsone when phenobarbital is started or stopped. Consider dose adjustment if response is inadequate.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Dapsone
- Bcg vaccine live + Dapsone Major
- Dapsone + Primaquine Major
- Apalutamide + Dapsone Moderate
- Belzutifan + Dapsone Moderate
- Bosentan + Dapsone Moderate
- Bupivacaine implant + Dapsone Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dapsone with Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Dapsone and Phenobarbital have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Phenobarbital is a broad enzyme inducer and may reduce dapsone concentrations. This could weaken antimicrobial effect, although the magnitude in practice is uncertain.
How serious is the interaction between Dapsone and Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor clinical response to dapsone when phenobarbital is started or stopped. Consider dose adjustment if response is inadequate.
What other medicines interact with Dapsone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dapsone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Primaquine, Apalutamide. The full list is on the Dapsone page.
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