Drug interactions
Phenobarbital + Riluzole
Severity: Moderate
Phenobarbital and Riluzole: 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 is a broad enzyme inducer and may speed riluzole metabolism, lowering exposure. Loss of riluzole effect is possible with long-term use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenobarbital and Riluzole 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
Phenobarbital induces CYP1A2 and increases riluzole clearance.
What to do
Monitor clinical response to riluzole and consider an alternative anticonvulsant if efficacy appears reduced.
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 Riluzole
- Fluvoxamine + Riluzole Major
- Cannabidiol + Riluzole Moderate
- Ciprofloxacin + Riluzole Moderate
- Elranatamab + Riluzole Moderate
- Epcoritamab + Riluzole Moderate
- Fexinidazole + Riluzole Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Phenobarbital with Riluzole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Phenobarbital and Riluzole 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 is a broad enzyme inducer and may speed riluzole metabolism, lowering exposure. Loss of riluzole effect is possible with long-term use.
How serious is the interaction between Phenobarbital and Riluzole?
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 clinical response to riluzole and consider an alternative anticonvulsant if efficacy appears reduced.
What other medicines interact with Riluzole?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Riluzole with, for example, Fluvoxamine, Cannabidiol, Ciprofloxacin. The full list is on the Riluzole page.
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