Drug interactions
Praziquantel + Primidone
Severity: Major
Praziquantel and Primidone: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Base de donnees publique des medicaments (France)
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
Primidone, metabolized to phenobarbital, is expected to reduce praziquantel exposure and risk treatment failure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Praziquantel and Primidone 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.
Praziquantel belongs to Anti Parasitic; Primidone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Primidone and its phenobarbital metabolite induce CYP3A4, increasing praziquantel metabolism.
What to do
Consider a non-inducing anticonvulsant during therapy; otherwise monitor response and consider retreatment.
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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References
Other interactions of Praziquantel
- Enzalutamide + Praziquantel Contraindicated
- Praziquantel + Rifampin Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Praziquantel Major
- Apalutamide + Praziquantel Major
- Butabarbital + Praziquantel Major
- Butalbital + Praziquantel Major
Other interactions of Primidone
- Lorlatinib + Primidone Contraindicated
- Lurasidone + Primidone Contraindicated
- Primidone + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Primidone + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir Contraindicated
- Primidone + Voriconazole Contraindicated
- Abiraterone + Primidone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Praziquantel with Primidone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Praziquantel and Primidone 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. Primidone, metabolized to phenobarbital, is expected to reduce praziquantel exposure and risk treatment failure.
How serious is the interaction between Praziquantel and Primidone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Consider a non-inducing anticonvulsant during therapy; otherwise monitor response and consider retreatment.
What other medicines interact with Praziquantel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Praziquantel with, for example, Enzalutamide, Rifampin, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Praziquantel page.
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