Drug interactions
Medroxyprogesterone + Primidone
Severity: Major
Medroxyprogesterone and Primidone: 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
Primidone is partly metabolized to phenobarbital and induces hepatic enzymes, accelerating metabolism of hormonal steroids. Medroxyprogesterone exposure may fall and contraceptive failure is possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Medroxyprogesterone and Primidone 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.
Medroxyprogesterone belongs to Endocrine; Primidone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 and other hepatic enzymes by primidone and its metabolite phenobarbital.
What to do
Choose a contraceptive method not affected by enzyme inducers, such as an IUD, or add barrier protection. Continue precautions for a period after stopping primidone.
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 Medroxyprogesterone
Other interactions of Primidone
- Lorlatinib + Primidone Contraindicated
- Lurasidone + Primidone Contraindicated
- Primidone + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Primidone + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir Contraindicated
- Primidone + Voriconazole Contraindicated
- Abiraterone + Primidone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Medroxyprogesterone with Primidone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Medroxyprogesterone and Primidone 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. Primidone is partly metabolized to phenobarbital and induces hepatic enzymes, accelerating metabolism of hormonal steroids. Medroxyprogesterone exposure may fall and contraceptive failure is possible.
How serious is the interaction between Medroxyprogesterone and Primidone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Choose a contraceptive method not affected by enzyme inducers, such as an IUD, or add barrier protection. Continue precautions for a period after stopping primidone.
What other medicines interact with Medroxyprogesterone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Medroxyprogesterone with, for example, Bosentan, Brigatinib, Eslicarbazepine. The full list is on the Medroxyprogesterone page.
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