Drug interactions
Phenobarbitone + Trabectedin
Severity: Major
Phenobarbitone and Trabectedin: major 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 strong CYP3A inducer and may lower circulating trabectedin concentrations. Reduced exposure could compromise antitumour efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenobarbitone and Trabectedin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Phenobarbitone belongs to Central Nervous System; Trabectedin belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 by phenobarbital increases the hepatic metabolism of trabectedin.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use and choose a non-inducing anticonvulsant where seizure control is needed. If unavoidable, monitor for reduced tumour response.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Trabectedin
Other interactions of Phenobarbitone
- Cabotegravir + Phenobarbitone Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Phenobarbitone Contraindicated
- Isavuconazole + Phenobarbitone Contraindicated
- Darolutamide + Phenobarbitone Major
- Finerenone + Phenobarbitone Major
- Ivacaftor + Phenobarbitone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Phenobarbitone with Trabectedin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Phenobarbitone and Trabectedin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Phenobarbital is a strong CYP3A inducer and may lower circulating trabectedin concentrations. Reduced exposure could compromise antitumour efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Phenobarbitone and Trabectedin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use and choose a non-inducing anticonvulsant where seizure control is needed. If unavoidable, monitor for reduced tumour response.
What other medicines interact with Trabectedin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Trabectedin with, for example, Apalutamide, Carbamazepine, Chloramphenicol. The full list is on the Trabectedin page.
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