Drug interactions
Phenobarbital + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Phenobarbital and Secobarbital: major 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
Concurrent barbiturates cause additive CNS depression with risk of profound sedation and respiratory depression. Phenobarbital's long half-life prolongs the effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenobarbital and Secobarbital can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive GABA-A receptor potentiation; phenobarbital may also induce secobarbital metabolism.
What to do
Avoid combined use unless clearly necessary; monitor sedation and respiratory status and use the lowest doses.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Secobarbital
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Isavuconazonium + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Secobarbital Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Phenobarbital with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Phenobarbital and Secobarbital can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Concurrent barbiturates cause additive CNS depression with risk of profound sedation and respiratory depression. Phenobarbital's long half-life prolongs the effect.
How serious is the interaction between Phenobarbital and Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combined use unless clearly necessary; monitor sedation and respiratory status and use the lowest doses.
What other medicines interact with Secobarbital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Secobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Secobarbital page.
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