Drug interactions
Nimodipine + Pentobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Nimodipine 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 induces hepatic and intestinal CYP3A4 and may lower nimodipine concentrations. Reduced exposure could blunt the cerebrovascular benefit of nimodipine, for example after subarachnoid hemorrhage.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nimodipine 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-mediated induction of CYP3A4 increases presystemic and systemic metabolism of nimodipine.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and clinical response to nimodipine, and consider an alternative sedative if efficacy appears reduced. Expect induction to fade over days to weeks after pentobarbital is stopped.
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 Nimodipine
- Apalutamide + Nimodipine Major
- Carbamazepine + Nimodipine Major
- Ceritinib + Nimodipine Major
- Clarithromycin + Nimodipine Major
- Cobicistat + Nimodipine Major
- Darunavir + Nimodipine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nimodipine with Pentobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Nimodipine 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 induces hepatic and intestinal CYP3A4 and may lower nimodipine concentrations. Reduced exposure could blunt the cerebrovascular benefit of nimodipine, for example after subarachnoid hemorrhage.
How serious is the interaction between Nimodipine 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 blood pressure and clinical response to nimodipine, and consider an alternative sedative if efficacy appears reduced. Expect induction to fade over days to weeks after pentobarbital is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Nimodipine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nimodipine with, for example, Apalutamide, Carbamazepine, Ceritinib. The full list is on the Nimodipine page.
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