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Drug interactions

Dexchlorpheniramine + Secobarbital

Severity: Moderate

Dexchlorpheniramine and Secobarbital: 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

Combining a barbiturate with a sedating antihistamine produces additive drowsiness and impaired alertness. Elderly patients are at higher risk of confusion and falls.

What this interaction means in plain words

Dexchlorpheniramine and Secobarbital 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.

Dexchlorpheniramine belongs to Respiratory; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive CNS depression from GABAergic barbiturate action and central H1 antagonism.

What to do

Warn about sedation and avoid driving or hazardous tasks. Consider a non-sedating antihistamine.

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?

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 Dexchlorpheniramine with Secobarbital?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexchlorpheniramine and Secobarbital 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. Combining a barbiturate with a sedating antihistamine produces additive drowsiness and impaired alertness. Elderly patients are at higher risk of confusion and falls.

How serious is the interaction between Dexchlorpheniramine and Secobarbital?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Warn about sedation and avoid driving or hazardous tasks. Consider a non-sedating antihistamine.

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.

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