Drug interactions
Metaxalone + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Metaxalone 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 is a barbiturate with strong CNS depressant effects, and metaxalone can add to sedation. Concurrent use may lead to profound drowsiness, impaired breathing and loss of coordination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Metaxalone 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.
Metaxalone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depressant effects.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if used, start with low doses and monitor sedation level and respiratory rate. Warn patients against alcohol and driving.
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 Metaxalone
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 Metaxalone with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Metaxalone 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 is a barbiturate with strong CNS depressant effects, and metaxalone can add to sedation. Concurrent use may lead to profound drowsiness, impaired breathing and loss of coordination.
How serious is the interaction between Metaxalone 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 the combination where possible; if used, start with low doses and monitor sedation level and respiratory rate. Warn patients against alcohol and driving.
What other medicines interact with Metaxalone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metaxalone with, for example, Alfentanil, Belladonna and opium, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Metaxalone page.
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