Drug interactions
Phenobarbital + Propafenone
Severity: Moderate
Phenobarbital and Propafenone: 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 induces hepatic enzymes and may lower propafenone concentrations, reducing antiarrhythmic efficacy. Loss of rhythm control may occur after the barbiturate is started.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenobarbital and Propafenone 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
Enzyme induction (CYP3A4 and CYP1A2) by phenobarbital increases propafenone clearance.
What to do
Monitor heart rhythm and clinical response, adjusting the propafenone dose if arrhythmia recurs. Reassess when phenobarbital is 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 Propafenone
- Dofetilide + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nirmatrelvir + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Propafenone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Phenobarbital with Propafenone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Phenobarbital and Propafenone 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 induces hepatic enzymes and may lower propafenone concentrations, reducing antiarrhythmic efficacy. Loss of rhythm control may occur after the barbiturate is started.
How serious is the interaction between Phenobarbital and Propafenone?
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 heart rhythm and clinical response, adjusting the propafenone dose if arrhythmia recurs. Reassess when phenobarbital is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Propafenone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Propafenone with, for example, Dofetilide, Dronedarone, Nilotinib. The full list is on the Propafenone page.
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