Drug interactions
Phenobarbital + Tofacitinib
Severity: Moderate
Phenobarbital and Tofacitinib: 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 CYP3A4 inducer that may lower tofacitinib exposure and reduce its effect. The effect is likely relevant with chronic use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenobarbital and Tofacitinib 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
Induction of CYP3A4 increases tofacitinib clearance.
What to do
Monitor for loss of response to tofacitinib; consider an alternative therapy if disease control worsens.
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 Tofacitinib
- Baricitinib + Tofacitinib Contraindicated
- Cladribine + Tofacitinib Contraindicated
- Tofacitinib + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Abatacept + Tofacitinib Major
- Anti-thymocyte + Tofacitinib Major
- Antithymocyte globulin equine + Tofacitinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Phenobarbital with Tofacitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Phenobarbital and Tofacitinib 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 CYP3A4 inducer that may lower tofacitinib exposure and reduce its effect. The effect is likely relevant with chronic use.
How serious is the interaction between Phenobarbital and Tofacitinib?
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 for loss of response to tofacitinib; consider an alternative therapy if disease control worsens.
What other medicines interact with Tofacitinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tofacitinib with, for example, Baricitinib, Cladribine, Upadacitinib. The full list is on the Tofacitinib page.
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