Drug interactions
Etravirine + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Etravirine and Secobarbital: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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 may substantially reduce etravirine plasma concentrations, risking loss of virologic suppression and resistance. Other barbiturates such as phenobarbital are advised against with etravirine.
What this interaction means in plain words
Etravirine 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.
Etravirine belongs to Anti Virals; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Barbiturate induction of CYP3A4, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 increases etravirine clearance.
What to do
Avoid the combination and choose a non-inducing sedative. If unavoidable, monitor HIV RNA closely.
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
- Etravirine 200 mg Tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: medicinal products that induce CYP3A4, CYP2C9 or CYP2C19; "Medicinal products that induce CYP3A4, CYP2C9 or CYP2C19 may increase the clearance of etravirine, resulting in lowered plasma concentrations of etravirine.") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
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
Other interactions of Etravirine
- Efavirenz + Etravirine Contraindicated
- Etravirine + Isavuconazole Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Etravirine Major
- Apalutamide + Etravirine Major
- Carbamazepine + Etravirine Major
- Cobicistat + Etravirine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Etravirine with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Etravirine 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 may substantially reduce etravirine plasma concentrations, risking loss of virologic suppression and resistance. Other barbiturates such as phenobarbital are advised against with etravirine.
How serious is the interaction between Etravirine 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 the combination and choose a non-inducing sedative. If unavoidable, monitor HIV RNA closely.
What other medicines interact with Secobarbital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Secobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Secobarbital page.
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