Drug interactions
Etoposide + Phenobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Etoposide 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 induces drug-metabolizing enzymes and has been associated with increased etoposide clearance. Reduced exposure may lessen antitumor effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Etoposide 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 CYP3A4, accelerating etoposide metabolism.
What to do
Prefer a non-enzyme-inducing anticonvulsant such as levetiracetam where appropriate. If unavoidable, monitor response and consider dose adjustment.
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 Etoposide
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Etoposide Contraindicated
- Etoposide + Pentostatin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Etoposide Major
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Etoposide Major
- Etoposide + Fingolimod Major
- Etoposide + Fosphenytoin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Etoposide with Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Etoposide 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 induces drug-metabolizing enzymes and has been associated with increased etoposide clearance. Reduced exposure may lessen antitumor effect.
How serious is the interaction between Etoposide 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: Prefer a non-enzyme-inducing anticonvulsant such as levetiracetam where appropriate. If unavoidable, monitor response and consider dose adjustment.
What other medicines interact with Etoposide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Etoposide with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Pentostatin, Cyclosporin. The full list is on the Etoposide page.
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