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Drug interactions

Imatinib + Secobarbital

Severity: Major

Imatinib 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

Imatinib is a CYP3A4 substrate, and strong inducers such as enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants markedly lower its exposure. Barbiturates may do the same, risking loss of response in leukemia or GIST.

What this interaction means in plain words

Imatinib 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.

Imatinib belongs to Oncology; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Barbiturate induction of CYP3A4 increases imatinib clearance.

What to do

Avoid the combination where possible. If necessary, increase the imatinib dose with close monitoring of response and plasma levels if available.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Imatinib with Secobarbital?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Imatinib 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. Imatinib is a CYP3A4 substrate, and strong inducers such as enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants markedly lower its exposure. Barbiturates may do the same, risking loss of response in leukemia or GIST.

How serious is the interaction between Imatinib 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 the combination where possible. If necessary, increase the imatinib dose with close monitoring of response and plasma levels if available.

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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Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

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