Drug interactions
Ibuprofen + Phenobarbital
Severity: Minor
Ibuprofen 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 induces hepatic enzymes and may modestly lower ibuprofen exposure, which could reduce analgesic or anti-inflammatory effect. The clinical significance is usually small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ibuprofen 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
Enzyme induction by phenobarbital (including CYP2C9) increases ibuprofen metabolism.
What to do
No routine adjustment is needed; if pain control is inadequate, titrate the ibuprofen dose within labeled limits or review the analgesic choice.
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 Ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Ibuprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Ibuprofen Major
- Alteplase + Ibuprofen Major
- Amiloride + Ibuprofen Major
- Apixaban + Ibuprofen Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ibuprofen with Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ibuprofen 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 induces hepatic enzymes and may modestly lower ibuprofen exposure, which could reduce analgesic or anti-inflammatory effect. The clinical significance is usually small.
How serious is the interaction between Ibuprofen 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 routine adjustment is needed; if pain control is inadequate, titrate the ibuprofen dose within labeled limits or review the analgesic choice.
What other medicines interact with Ibuprofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ibuprofen with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Acemetacin. The full list is on the Ibuprofen page.
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