Drug interactions
Phenobarbital + Sevoflurane
Severity: Moderate
Phenobarbital and Sevoflurane: 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 adds to the CNS depression produced by sevoflurane, increasing sedation and the risk of respiratory depression and hypotension. Chronic use also induces hepatic enzymes, which may alter the metabolism of sevoflurane.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenobarbital and Sevoflurane 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 enzyme induction as an additional pharmacokinetic effect.
What to do
Titrate sevoflurane to clinical effect and monitor ventilation and blood pressure. Do not stop phenobarbital abruptly in patients taking it for seizure control.
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 Sevoflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Phenobarbital with Sevoflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Phenobarbital and Sevoflurane 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 adds to the CNS depression produced by sevoflurane, increasing sedation and the risk of respiratory depression and hypotension. Chronic use also induces hepatic enzymes, which may alter the metabolism of sevoflurane.
How serious is the interaction between Phenobarbital and Sevoflurane?
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 sevoflurane to clinical effect and monitor ventilation and blood pressure. Do not stop phenobarbital abruptly in patients taking it for seizure control.
What other medicines interact with Sevoflurane?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sevoflurane with, for example, Amiodarone, Amisulpride, Arsenic trioxide. The full list is on the Sevoflurane page.
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