Drug interactions
Meloxicam + Phenobarbital
Severity: Minor
Meloxicam and Phenobarbital: minor 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 enzyme inducer and may speed up the breakdown of meloxicam, lowering its blood levels. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect may be weaker than expected, although the clinical impact is generally modest.
What this interaction means in plain words
Meloxicam and Phenobarbital have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Phenobarbital induces hepatic CYP2C9 (and CYP3A4), increasing the metabolic clearance of meloxicam.
What to do
Monitor pain and inflammation control and consider a higher meloxicam dose within labeled limits or an alternative analgesic if the response is inadequate.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Meloxicam
- Ketorolac intranasal + Meloxicam Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Meloxicam Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Meloxicam Major
- Acemetacin + Meloxicam Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Meloxicam Major
- Alteplase + Meloxicam Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Meloxicam with Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Meloxicam and Phenobarbital have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Phenobarbital is an enzyme inducer and may speed up the breakdown of meloxicam, lowering its blood levels. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect may be weaker than expected, although the clinical impact is generally modest.
How serious is the interaction between Meloxicam and Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor pain and inflammation control and consider a higher meloxicam dose within labeled limits or an alternative analgesic if the response is inadequate.
What other medicines interact with Meloxicam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meloxicam with, for example, Ketorolac intranasal, Ketorolac, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Meloxicam page.
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