Drug interactions
Pentobarbital + Phenelzine
Severity: Moderate
Pentobarbital and Phenelzine: 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
MAO inhibitors have been proposed to prolong the effects of barbiturates such as pentobarbital, producing deeper or longer sedation. The interaction is mainly theoretical.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pentobarbital and Phenelzine 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
Possible reduced barbiturate metabolism with additive CNS depression; the mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Monitor for oversedation and respiratory depression, and lower the pentobarbital dose if needed.
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 Phenelzine
- 5-HTP + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Pentobarbital with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Pentobarbital and Phenelzine 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. MAO inhibitors have been proposed to prolong the effects of barbiturates such as pentobarbital, producing deeper or longer sedation. The interaction is mainly theoretical.
How serious is the interaction between Pentobarbital and Phenelzine?
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 for oversedation and respiratory depression, and lower the pentobarbital dose if needed.
What other medicines interact with Phenelzine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Phenelzine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Phenelzine page.
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