Drug interactions
Folic acid + Primidone
Severity: Moderate
Folic acid and Primidone: 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
Primidone, which is metabolized partly to phenobarbital, is associated with lower folate levels, and folic acid may reduce anticonvulsant concentrations. Seizure control may be affected in some patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Folic acid and Primidone 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.
Folic acid belongs to Miscellaneous; Primidone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Enzyme-inducing anticonvulsant effects on folate status, and possible folate-related increase in anticonvulsant metabolism.
What to do
Monitor seizure control and drug levels when folic acid is started or changed. Supplement folate if deficiency or pregnancy planning warrants it.
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 Folic acid
- Ethotoin + Folic acid Moderate
- Folic acid + Fosphenytoin Moderate
- Folic acid + Glucarpidase Moderate
- Folic acid + Methotrexate Moderate
- Folic acid + Pafolacianine Moderate
- Folic acid + Phenobarbital Moderate
Other interactions of Primidone
- Lorlatinib + Primidone Contraindicated
- Lurasidone + Primidone Contraindicated
- Primidone + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Primidone + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir Contraindicated
- Primidone + Voriconazole Contraindicated
- Abiraterone + Primidone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Folic acid with Primidone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Folic acid and Primidone 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. Primidone, which is metabolized partly to phenobarbital, is associated with lower folate levels, and folic acid may reduce anticonvulsant concentrations. Seizure control may be affected in some patients.
How serious is the interaction between Folic acid and Primidone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor seizure control and drug levels when folic acid is started or changed. Supplement folate if deficiency or pregnancy planning warrants it.
What other medicines interact with Folic acid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Folic acid with, for example, Ethotoin, Fosphenytoin, Glucarpidase. The full list is on the Folic acid page.
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