Drug interactions
Phenobarbital + Ustekinumab
Severity: Minor
Phenobarbital and Ustekinumab: minor 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
Chronic inflammation suppresses some CYP450 enzymes through cytokines, and IL-12/23 blockade may restore their activity. This could alter levels of narrow-therapeutic-index CYP substrates such as phenobarbital. Clinical evidence is limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenobarbital and Ustekinumab have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Cytokine modulation by ustekinumab may normalize suppressed CYP450 expression.
What to do
Monitor seizure control and phenobarbital levels when ustekinumab is started or stopped.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Ustekinumab
- Bcg vaccine live + Ustekinumab Contraindicated
- Typhoid vaccine live + Ustekinumab Contraindicated
- Adalimumab + Ustekinumab Major
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Ustekinumab Major
- Alefacept + Ustekinumab Major
- Anakinra + Ustekinumab Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Phenobarbital with Ustekinumab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Phenobarbital and Ustekinumab have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Chronic inflammation suppresses some CYP450 enzymes through cytokines, and IL-12/23 blockade may restore their activity. This could alter levels of narrow-therapeutic-index CYP substrates such as phenobarbital. Clinical evidence is limited.
How serious is the interaction between Phenobarbital and Ustekinumab?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor seizure control and phenobarbital levels when ustekinumab is started or stopped.
What other medicines interact with Ustekinumab?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ustekinumab with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Typhoid vaccine live, Adalimumab. The full list is on the Ustekinumab page.
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