Drug interactions
Modafinil + Pentobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Modafinil and Pentobarbital: 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
Pentobarbital is a sedative and a CYP3A4 inducer, which may lower modafinil exposure, while the two have opposing effects on alertness. Reduced modafinil efficacy is possible with repeated barbiturate use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Modafinil and Pentobarbital 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
Barbiturate induction of CYP3A4 may lower modafinil levels, plus opposing CNS pharmacodynamic effects.
What to do
Monitor for loss of modafinil wakefulness effect and consider a dose increase if needed; avoid relying on modafinil to offset barbiturate sedation.
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 Modafinil
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Modafinil with Pentobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Modafinil and Pentobarbital 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. Pentobarbital is a sedative and a CYP3A4 inducer, which may lower modafinil exposure, while the two have opposing effects on alertness. Reduced modafinil efficacy is possible with repeated barbiturate use.
How serious is the interaction between Modafinil and Pentobarbital?
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 for loss of modafinil wakefulness effect and consider a dose increase if needed; avoid relying on modafinil to offset barbiturate sedation.
What other medicines interact with Modafinil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Modafinil with, for example, Lenacapavir, Leniolisib, Lorlatinib. The full list is on the Modafinil page.
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