Drug interactions
Lapatinib + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Lapatinib 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
Secobarbital can induce CYP3A4 and substantially lower lapatinib exposure, potentially reducing efficacy. Strong CYP3A4 inducers carry labeled dose recommendations for lapatinib.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lapatinib 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.
Lapatinib belongs to Oncology; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 induction by secobarbital increases lapatinib metabolism and reduces its plasma concentrations.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and choose a non-inducing sedative. If unavoidable, labeling supports gradual lapatinib dose escalation with careful monitoring for toxicity, and a return to the usual dose after the inducer is stopped.
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 Lapatinib
- Dofetilide + Lapatinib Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Lapatinib Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Lapatinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lapatinib with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lapatinib 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. Secobarbital can induce CYP3A4 and substantially lower lapatinib exposure, potentially reducing efficacy. Strong CYP3A4 inducers carry labeled dose recommendations for lapatinib.
How serious is the interaction between Lapatinib 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 and choose a non-inducing sedative. If unavoidable, labeling supports gradual lapatinib dose escalation with careful monitoring for toxicity, and a return to the usual dose after the inducer is stopped.
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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