Drug interactions
Norgestrel + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Norgestrel and Secobarbital: major 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
Barbiturates induce hepatic enzymes and can lower norgestrel concentrations, reducing contraceptive efficacy. Unintended pregnancy is the main concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Norgestrel and Secobarbital can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Norgestrel belongs to Endocrine; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 by secobarbital increases progestin metabolism.
What to do
Add a barrier method or switch to a non-hormonal contraceptive while on the barbiturate and for several weeks after stopping. Do not rely on norgestrel alone.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Secobarbital
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Isavuconazonium + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Secobarbital Contraindicated
Other interactions of Norgestrel
- Amobarbital + Norgestrel Major
- Apalutamide + Norgestrel Major
- Bosentan + Norgestrel Major
- Carbamazepine + Norgestrel Major
- Efavirenz + Norgestrel Major
- Enzalutamide + Norgestrel Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Norgestrel with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Norgestrel and Secobarbital can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Barbiturates induce hepatic enzymes and can lower norgestrel concentrations, reducing contraceptive efficacy. Unintended pregnancy is the main concern.
How serious is the interaction between Norgestrel and Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Add a barrier method or switch to a non-hormonal contraceptive while on the barbiturate and for several weeks after stopping. Do not rely on norgestrel alone.
What other medicines interact with Secobarbital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Secobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Secobarbital page.
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