Drug interactions
Flurazepam + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Flurazepam and Secobarbital: 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
Combining a barbiturate with a benzodiazepine hypnotic produces additive sedation and respiratory depression. Risks include excessive daytime impairment, falls, and respiratory compromise, especially in older adults.
What this interaction means in plain words
Flurazepam 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.
Why it happens
Additive GABA-A mediated CNS depression; barbiturate induction may also alter benzodiazepine metabolism.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use of two sedative-hypnotics where possible. If necessary, use the lowest doses and monitor respiratory status and sedation.
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 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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Flurazepam with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Flurazepam 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. Combining a barbiturate with a benzodiazepine hypnotic produces additive sedation and respiratory depression. Risks include excessive daytime impairment, falls, and respiratory compromise, especially in older adults.
How serious is the interaction between Flurazepam 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 concurrent use of two sedative-hypnotics where possible. If necessary, use the lowest doses and monitor respiratory status and sedation.
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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