Drug interactions
Hemin + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Hemin and Secobarbital: major 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
Barbiturates are porphyrinogenic and can induce hepatic aminolevulinic acid synthase, opposing the therapeutic action of hemin in acute porphyria. Use may precipitate or worsen porphyria attacks.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hemin 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.
Hemin belongs to Miscellaneous; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Barbiturate induction of ALA synthase counteracts hemin's feedback suppression of heme synthesis.
What to do
Avoid secobarbital in patients with acute porphyria and use a safe alternative sedative. Review all drugs for porphyrinogenicity.
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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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
Other interactions of Hemin
- Argatroban + Hemin Moderate
- Bazedoxifene-conjugated estrogens + Hemin Moderate
- Dabigatran etexilate + Hemin Moderate
- Dalteparin + Hemin Moderate
- Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Hemin Moderate
- Dexamethasone-neomycin-polymyxin + Hemin Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hemin with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hemin 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. Barbiturates are porphyrinogenic and can induce hepatic aminolevulinic acid synthase, opposing the therapeutic action of hemin in acute porphyria. Use may precipitate or worsen porphyria attacks.
How serious is the interaction between Hemin 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 secobarbital in patients with acute porphyria and use a safe alternative sedative. Review all drugs for porphyrinogenicity.
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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