Drug interactions
Metyrapone + Phenobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Metyrapone 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 hepatic enzymes and accelerates metabolism of steroids and metyrapone, which can reduce metyrapone effect and alter results of the diagnostic test.
What this interaction means in plain words
Metyrapone 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
Hepatic enzyme induction by phenobarbital increases clearance of metyrapone and steroid hormones.
What to do
Avoid enzyme inducers during diagnostic metyrapone testing where possible. During therapy, monitor cortisol and adjust the metyrapone dose accordingly.
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 Metyrapone
- Metyrapone + Pacritinib Major
- Budesonide + Metyrapone Moderate
- Cortisone + Metyrapone Moderate
- Cyproheptadine + Metyrapone Moderate
- Deflazacort + Metyrapone Moderate
- Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Metyrapone Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Metyrapone with Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Metyrapone 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 hepatic enzymes and accelerates metabolism of steroids and metyrapone, which can reduce metyrapone effect and alter results of the diagnostic test.
How serious is the interaction between Metyrapone 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: Avoid enzyme inducers during diagnostic metyrapone testing where possible. During therapy, monitor cortisol and adjust the metyrapone dose accordingly.
What other medicines interact with Metyrapone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metyrapone with, for example, Pacritinib, Budesonide, Cortisone. The full list is on the Metyrapone page.
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