Drug interactions
Phenobarbital + Sunitinib
Severity: Moderate
Phenobarbital and Sunitinib: 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 an inducer of CYP3A4 and can lower sunitinib and active metabolite concentrations, which may reduce effectiveness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenobarbital and Sunitinib 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 CYP3A4, accelerating sunitinib metabolism.
What to do
Prefer a non-inducing anticonvulsant if clinically possible. If coadministered, consider a sunitinib dose increase per labeling and monitor for toxicity and response; reduce the dose again after the inducer 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 Sunitinib
- Adagrasib + Sunitinib Major
- Amiodarone + Sunitinib Major
- Amisulpride + Sunitinib Major
- Anagrelide + Sunitinib Major
- Apalutamide + Sunitinib Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Sunitinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Phenobarbital with Sunitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Phenobarbital and Sunitinib 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 an inducer of CYP3A4 and can lower sunitinib and active metabolite concentrations, which may reduce effectiveness.
How serious is the interaction between Phenobarbital and Sunitinib?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer a non-inducing anticonvulsant if clinically possible. If coadministered, consider a sunitinib dose increase per labeling and monitor for toxicity and response; reduce the dose again after the inducer is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Sunitinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sunitinib with, for example, Adagrasib, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Sunitinib page.
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