Drug interactions
Levonorgestrel + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Levonorgestrel 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, a barbiturate, can lower levonorgestrel concentrations. This may reduce contraceptive efficacy and increase the risk of unintended pregnancy, including with emergency contraception.
What this interaction means in plain words
Levonorgestrel 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.
Levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Barbiturates induce hepatic CYP3A4, increasing the metabolism of levonorgestrel.
What to do
Advise an additional or alternative non-hormonal contraceptive method during and for several weeks after barbiturate use. For emergency contraception, consider a copper IUD or a higher levonorgestrel dose per local guidance.
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 Levonorgestrel
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Levonorgestrel with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Levonorgestrel 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, a barbiturate, can lower levonorgestrel concentrations. This may reduce contraceptive efficacy and increase the risk of unintended pregnancy, including with emergency contraception.
How serious is the interaction between Levonorgestrel 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: Advise an additional or alternative non-hormonal contraceptive method during and for several weeks after barbiturate use. For emergency contraception, consider a copper IUD or a higher levonorgestrel dose per local guidance.
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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