Drug interactions
Phenobarbital + Propofol
Severity: Moderate
Phenobarbital and Propofol: 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 and propofol together cause additive sedation, respiratory depression and hypotension. Chronic phenobarbital use may also alter propofol requirements, so the response can be unpredictable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenobarbital and Propofol 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
Additive GABA-A mediated CNS depression, with possible enzyme induction by phenobarbital in chronic use.
What to do
Titrate propofol to clinical effect rather than fixed dosing and monitor respiration and blood pressure closely.
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 Propofol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Phenobarbital with Propofol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Phenobarbital and Propofol 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 and propofol together cause additive sedation, respiratory depression and hypotension. Chronic phenobarbital use may also alter propofol requirements, so the response can be unpredictable.
How serious is the interaction between Phenobarbital and Propofol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Titrate propofol to clinical effect rather than fixed dosing and monitor respiration and blood pressure closely.
What other medicines interact with Propofol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Propofol with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Propofol page.
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