Drug interactions
Diazepam + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Diazepam 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 adds to the CNS and respiratory depressant effects of diazepam, raising the risk of profound sedation and respiratory compromise. Barbiturates also induce hepatic enzymes, which may gradually lower diazepam concentrations and make the response less predictable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diazepam 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.
Diazepam belongs to Musculoskeletal; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive GABA-A mediated CNS depression, plus CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 induction by secobarbital that increases diazepam clearance.
What to do
Avoid combining where possible; if both are needed use reduced doses with monitoring of respiratory rate, sedation level and oxygen saturation. Reassess diazepam response when the barbiturate is started or stopped.
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 Diazepam
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 Diazepam with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Diazepam 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 adds to the CNS and respiratory depressant effects of diazepam, raising the risk of profound sedation and respiratory compromise. Barbiturates also induce hepatic enzymes, which may gradually lower diazepam concentrations and make the response less predictable.
How serious is the interaction between Diazepam 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 both are needed use reduced doses with monitoring of respiratory rate, sedation level and oxygen saturation. Reassess diazepam response when the barbiturate is started or stopped.
What other medicines interact with Diazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diazepam with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Alfentanil, Alprazolam. The full list is on the Diazepam page.
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