Drug interactions
Frovatriptan + Phenobarbital
Severity: Minor
Frovatriptan and Phenobarbital: minor 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 broad enzyme inducer and may modestly lower frovatriptan levels. Because several pathways clear frovatriptan, the impact is likely small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Frovatriptan and Phenobarbital have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Phenobarbital induces hepatic enzymes including CYP1A2, increasing frovatriptan metabolism.
What to do
No dose change is routinely needed. Reassess triptan efficacy during long-term phenobarbital therapy.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Frovatriptan
- Almotriptan + Frovatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Frovatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Frovatriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Frovatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Frovatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Frovatriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Frovatriptan with Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Frovatriptan and Phenobarbital have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Phenobarbital is a broad enzyme inducer and may modestly lower frovatriptan levels. Because several pathways clear frovatriptan, the impact is likely small.
How serious is the interaction between Frovatriptan and Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No dose change is routinely needed. Reassess triptan efficacy during long-term phenobarbital therapy.
What other medicines interact with Frovatriptan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Frovatriptan with, for example, Almotriptan, Dihydroergotamine intranasal, Dihydroergotamine. The full list is on the Frovatriptan page.
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