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Drug interactions

Eltrombopag + Phenobarbital

Severity: Moderate

Eltrombopag 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 a potent enzyme inducer and may lower eltrombopag concentrations, potentially reducing platelet response.

What this interaction means in plain words

Eltrombopag 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Phenobarbital induction of CYP1A2, CYP2C8 and UGT enzymes may increase eltrombopag clearance.

What to do

Monitor platelet counts when phenobarbital is started, changed or stopped. Increase the eltrombopag dose if response falls, and reduce it if phenobarbital is withdrawn.

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 Eltrombopag with Phenobarbital?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Eltrombopag 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 a potent enzyme inducer and may lower eltrombopag concentrations, potentially reducing platelet response.

How serious is the interaction between Eltrombopag 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 platelet counts when phenobarbital is started, changed or stopped. Increase the eltrombopag dose if response falls, and reduce it if phenobarbital is withdrawn.

What other medicines interact with Eltrombopag?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Eltrombopag with, for example, Alpelisib, Aluminum hydroxide, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Eltrombopag page.

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