Drug interactions
Methocarbamol + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Methocarbamol 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
Secobarbital is a barbiturate hypnotic, and combining it with methocarbamol can produce profound central nervous system depression, including marked sedation and respiratory depression. Barbiturates have a narrow margin of safety, so the risk is greater than with milder sedatives.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methocarbamol 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.
Methocarbamol belongs to Musculoskeletal; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system and respiratory depression through pharmacodynamic synergism.
What to do
Avoid the combination when possible, or use reduced doses with close monitoring of sedation level and respiratory status. Advise strict avoidance of alcohol and of 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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References
- Methocarbamol 1500 mg film coated-Tablet - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: barbiturates; "When Methocarbamol is used concomitantly with centrally acting medicinal products such as barbiturates, opioids as well as appetite suppressants, an increased i") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Methocarbamol
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 Methocarbamol with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Methocarbamol 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 hypnotic, and combining it with methocarbamol can produce profound central nervous system depression, including marked sedation and respiratory depression. Barbiturates have a narrow margin of safety, so the risk is greater than with milder sedatives.
How serious is the interaction between Methocarbamol 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 when possible, or use reduced doses with close monitoring of sedation level and respiratory status. Advise strict avoidance of alcohol and of driving.
What other medicines interact with Methocarbamol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methocarbamol with, for example, Alfentanil, Amobarbital, Belladonna and opium. The full list is on the Methocarbamol page.
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