Drug interactions
Exemestane + Phenobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Exemestane 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 strong enzyme inducer that may lower exemestane exposure and could reduce its antiestrogenic effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Exemestane 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, increasing exemestane metabolism.
What to do
Increase exemestane to 50 mg daily after a meal when a potent CYP3A4 inducer is used, or select a non-inducing alternative anticonvulsant.
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 Exemestane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Exemestane with Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Exemestane 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 strong enzyme inducer that may lower exemestane exposure and could reduce its antiestrogenic effect.
How serious is the interaction between Exemestane 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: Increase exemestane to 50 mg daily after a meal when a potent CYP3A4 inducer is used, or select a non-inducing alternative anticonvulsant.
What other medicines interact with Exemestane?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Exemestane with, for example, Bazedoxifene-conjugated estrogens, Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol, Estradiol. The full list is on the Exemestane page.
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