Drug interactions
Nimodipine + Phenobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Nimodipine 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 is a CYP3A4 inducer and can substantially lower nimodipine exposure, which has high first-pass metabolism. Loss of effect may be clinically important when nimodipine is given for neuroprotection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nimodipine 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
Phenobarbital induces CYP3A4, increasing the metabolism of nimodipine.
What to do
Monitor clinical response and blood pressure, and consider a non-inducing antiseizure agent such as levetiracetam where appropriate. Reassess nimodipine effect if phenobarbital is started or 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 Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Nimodipine 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 is a CYP3A4 inducer and can substantially lower nimodipine exposure, which has high first-pass metabolism. Loss of effect may be clinically important when nimodipine is given for neuroprotection.
How serious is the interaction between Nimodipine 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 blood pressure, and consider a non-inducing antiseizure agent such as levetiracetam where appropriate. Reassess nimodipine effect if phenobarbital is started or 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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