Drug interactions
Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir + Phenobarbital
Severity: Contraindicated
Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir and Phenobarbital: contraindicated 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 is an inducer of P-glycoprotein and metabolic enzymes and is expected to lower sofosbuvir and ledipasvir concentrations. This may reduce antiviral efficacy and risk treatment failure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir and Phenobarbital are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Why it happens
Phenobarbital induces intestinal P-glycoprotein, reducing absorption and plasma concentrations of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir.
What to do
Avoid the combination. Use a non-inducing anticonvulsant alternative before and during hepatitis C therapy, with neurology input.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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Other interactions of Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir
- Fosphenytoin + Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir Contraindicated
- Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir + Phenytoin Contraindicated
- Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir + Rifampin Contraindicated
- Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir + St john's wort Contraindicated
- Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir + Tipranavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir with Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir and Phenobarbital are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Phenobarbital is an inducer of P-glycoprotein and metabolic enzymes and is expected to lower sofosbuvir and ledipasvir concentrations. This may reduce antiviral efficacy and risk treatment failure.
How serious is the interaction between Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir and Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination. Use a non-inducing anticonvulsant alternative before and during hepatitis C therapy, with neurology input.
What other medicines interact with Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir with, for example, Fosphenytoin, Phenytoin, Rifampin. The full list is on the Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir page.
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