Drug interactions
Eslicarbazepine + Phenobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Eslicarbazepine 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 can lower exposure to the active metabolite of eslicarbazepine, possibly reducing seizure control. Eslicarbazepine may increase phenobarbital levels, adding sedation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Eslicarbazepine 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 glucuronidation of eslicarbazepine's active metabolite, while eslicarbazepine inhibits CYP2C19, reducing phenobarbital clearance.
What to do
Monitor seizure control and sedation, and measure phenobarbital levels. Adjust the eslicarbazepine dose upward if needed and reduce phenobarbital if toxicity appears.
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 Eslicarbazepine
- Eslicarbazepine + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Eslicarbazepine + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Eslicarbazepine Major
- Avapritinib + Eslicarbazepine Major
- Bedaquiline + Eslicarbazepine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Eslicarbazepine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Eslicarbazepine with Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Eslicarbazepine 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 can lower exposure to the active metabolite of eslicarbazepine, possibly reducing seizure control. Eslicarbazepine may increase phenobarbital levels, adding sedation.
How serious is the interaction between Eslicarbazepine 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 seizure control and sedation, and measure phenobarbital levels. Adjust the eslicarbazepine dose upward if needed and reduce phenobarbital if toxicity appears.
What other medicines interact with Eslicarbazepine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Eslicarbazepine with, for example, Mavacamten, Rilpivirine, Artemether / lumefantrine. The full list is on the Eslicarbazepine page.
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