Drug interactions
Doxorubicin + Phenobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Doxorubicin 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 is an enzyme inducer and has been associated with faster doxorubicin clearance, which may reduce efficacy. Doxorubicin has also been reported to alter phenobarbital levels, though this is not well established.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxorubicin 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 CYP enzymes (including CYP3A4), increasing doxorubicin elimination.
What to do
Consider a non-inducing anticonvulsant such as levetiracetam; if phenobarbital is essential, monitor therapeutic response and drug levels.
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 Doxorubicin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Doxorubicin with Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Doxorubicin 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 is an enzyme inducer and has been associated with faster doxorubicin clearance, which may reduce efficacy. Doxorubicin has also been reported to alter phenobarbital levels, though this is not well established.
How serious is the interaction between Doxorubicin 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: Consider a non-inducing anticonvulsant such as levetiracetam; if phenobarbital is essential, monitor therapeutic response and drug levels.
What other medicines interact with Doxorubicin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Doxorubicin with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Belatacept, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Doxorubicin page.
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