Drug interactions
Phenobarbital + Zaleplon
Severity: Moderate
Phenobarbital and Zaleplon: 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 induces CYP3A4 and may lower zaleplon exposure. Both drugs also depress the CNS, so the combination can produce excess sedation and psychomotor impairment.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenobarbital and Zaleplon 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 CNS depression plus phenobarbital-mediated enzyme induction that increases zaleplon clearance.
What to do
Monitor for both sedation and loss of hypnotic effect; avoid other CNS depressants and use the lowest effective zaleplon dose.
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 Zaleplon
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Sodium oxybate + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Brexanolone + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine transdermal + Zaleplon Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Phenobarbital with Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Phenobarbital and Zaleplon 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 induces CYP3A4 and may lower zaleplon exposure. Both drugs also depress the CNS, so the combination can produce excess sedation and psychomotor impairment.
How serious is the interaction between Phenobarbital and Zaleplon?
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 both sedation and loss of hypnotic effect; avoid other CNS depressants and use the lowest effective zaleplon dose.
What other medicines interact with Zaleplon?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zaleplon with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Brexanolone. The full list is on the Zaleplon page.
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