Drug interactions
Flibanserin + Pentobarbital
Severity: Major
Flibanserin and Pentobarbital: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Pentobarbital adds to the sedative and CNS depressant effects of flibanserin, increasing the risk of somnolence, syncope and impaired alertness. It is also a CYP3A4 inducer that may reduce flibanserin exposure and efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Flibanserin and Pentobarbital 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression plus barbiturate-mediated CYP3A4 induction.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, and counsel the patient about sedation and driving; flibanserin labeling advises against use with other CNS depressants.
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
Other interactions of Flibanserin
- Atazanavir + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Flibanserin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Flibanserin with Pentobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Flibanserin and Pentobarbital 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. Pentobarbital adds to the sedative and CNS depressant effects of flibanserin, increasing the risk of somnolence, syncope and impaired alertness. It is also a CYP3A4 inducer that may reduce flibanserin exposure and efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Flibanserin and Pentobarbital?
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 where possible, and counsel the patient about sedation and driving; flibanserin labeling advises against use with other CNS depressants.
What other medicines interact with Flibanserin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Flibanserin with, for example, Atazanavir, Ceritinib, Clarithromycin. The full list is on the Flibanserin page.
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