Drug interactions
Methylprednisolone + Phenobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Methylprednisolone and Phenobarbital: moderate 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 induces CYP3A4 and may induce P-glycoprotein, reducing methylprednisolone exposure and its therapeutic effect. Loss of disease control may occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methylprednisolone and Phenobarbital can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Enzyme induction of CYP3A4 (and possibly P-gp) increases methylprednisolone clearance.
What to do
Monitor clinical response and increase the methylprednisolone dose as required; reduce it again if phenobarbital is discontinued.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Methylprednisolone
- Bcg vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Methylprednisolone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Methylprednisolone + Rubella vaccine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methylprednisolone with Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Methylprednisolone and Phenobarbital can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Phenobarbital induces CYP3A4 and may induce P-glycoprotein, reducing methylprednisolone exposure and its therapeutic effect. Loss of disease control may occur.
How serious is the interaction between Methylprednisolone and Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor clinical response and increase the methylprednisolone dose as required; reduce it again if phenobarbital is discontinued.
What other medicines interact with Methylprednisolone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methylprednisolone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live, Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live. The full list is on the Methylprednisolone page.
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