Drug interactions
Pancuronium + Phenobarbital
Severity: Minor
Pancuronium and Phenobarbital: minor 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
Chronic phenobarbital therapy may reduce the effect of pancuronium, so blockade may be shorter or higher doses may be needed. The effect is generally modest.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pancuronium and Phenobarbital have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Enzyme induction may increase clearance and receptor changes may add resistance; the exact mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Monitor blockade with train-of-four and increase pancuronium dose if needed in long-term phenobarbital users.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Pancuronium
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Pancuronium with Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Pancuronium and Phenobarbital have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Chronic phenobarbital therapy may reduce the effect of pancuronium, so blockade may be shorter or higher doses may be needed. The effect is generally modest.
How serious is the interaction between Pancuronium and Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blockade with train-of-four and increase pancuronium dose if needed in long-term phenobarbital users.
What other medicines interact with Pancuronium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Pancuronium with, for example, Amikacin, Bacitracin-neomycin-polymyxin, Capreomycin. The full list is on the Pancuronium page.
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