Drug interactions
Lormetazepam + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Lormetazepam and Secobarbital: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Taking a barbiturate with a benzodiazepine hypnotic increases sedation and the risk of respiratory depression. Psychomotor impairment may persist into the next day.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lormetazepam 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression through GABA-A receptor potentiation.
What to do
Avoid combining the two hypnotics. If both must be used, reduce doses and monitor sedation and respiration.
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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References
- Lormetazepam 0.5mg Tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (names the partner; "alcohol, barbiturates, antipsychotics, sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lormetazepam with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lormetazepam 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. Taking a barbiturate with a benzodiazepine hypnotic increases sedation and the risk of respiratory depression. Psychomotor impairment may persist into the next day.
How serious is the interaction between Lormetazepam 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 combining the two hypnotics. If both must be used, reduce doses and monitor sedation and respiration.
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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