Drug interactions
Papaverine + Phenobarbital
Severity: Minor
Papaverine 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
Phenobarbital is a potent CNS depressant, and papaverine may add some sedative effect, although papaverine's CNS depressant activity is weak. The combination could produce more drowsiness or psychomotor impairment than phenobarbital alone.
What this interaction means in plain words
Papaverine 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
Possible additive CNS depression; papaverine's contribution is weak and not well characterized.
What to do
Counsel the patient about drowsiness and avoiding driving or hazardous tasks until response is known. No dose change is usually needed.
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 Papaverine
- Givinostat + Papaverine Major
- Bretylium + Papaverine Moderate
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Papaverine Moderate
- Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa + Papaverine Moderate
- Carbidopa-levodopa + Papaverine Moderate
- Carbidopa + Papaverine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Papaverine with Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Papaverine 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. Phenobarbital is a potent CNS depressant, and papaverine may add some sedative effect, although papaverine's CNS depressant activity is weak. The combination could produce more drowsiness or psychomotor impairment than phenobarbital alone.
How serious is the interaction between Papaverine 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: Counsel the patient about drowsiness and avoiding driving or hazardous tasks until response is known. No dose change is usually needed.
What other medicines interact with Papaverine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Papaverine with, for example, Givinostat, Bretylium, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates. The full list is on the Papaverine page.
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