Drug interactions
Imipramine + Pentobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Imipramine and Pentobarbital: 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
Pentobarbital induces hepatic enzymes and may lower imipramine concentrations, reducing antidepressant effect. Both drugs are also sedating, so additive CNS depression can occur, and tricyclics may lower seizure threshold when barbiturates are withdrawn.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imipramine and Pentobarbital 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.
Why it happens
Barbiturate induction of CYP enzymes (including CYP2C19, 1A2, 3A4) increases imipramine clearance, plus additive CNS depression.
What to do
Monitor clinical response and sedation, and consider checking tricyclic levels or increasing the imipramine dose if response falls. Re-evaluate dosing when the barbiturate is stopped.
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 Imipramine
- Dronedarone + Imipramine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Imipramine with Pentobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Imipramine and Pentobarbital 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. Pentobarbital induces hepatic enzymes and may lower imipramine concentrations, reducing antidepressant effect. Both drugs are also sedating, so additive CNS depression can occur, and tricyclics may lower seizure threshold when barbiturates are withdrawn.
How serious is the interaction between Imipramine and Pentobarbital?
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 clinical response and sedation, and consider checking tricyclic levels or increasing the imipramine dose if response falls. Re-evaluate dosing when the barbiturate is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Imipramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Imipramine with, for example, Dronedarone, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Imipramine page.
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