Drug interactions
Quazepam + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Quazepam and Secobarbital: 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
A barbiturate and a benzodiazepine hypnotic together cause additive sedation and respiratory depression, which can be dangerous. Secobarbital may also reduce quazepam levels through enzyme induction, making effects less predictable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Quazepam and Secobarbital 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.
Why it happens
Additive GABA-A potentiation plus CYP3A4 induction by secobarbital that may lower quazepam exposure.
What to do
Avoid combining the two hypnotics; if unavoidable, use the lowest doses and monitor sedation and respiratory function.
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 Secobarbital
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Isavuconazonium + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Secobarbital Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Quazepam with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Quazepam and Secobarbital 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. A barbiturate and a benzodiazepine hypnotic together cause additive sedation and respiratory depression, which can be dangerous. Secobarbital may also reduce quazepam levels through enzyme induction, making effects less predictable.
How serious is the interaction between Quazepam and Secobarbital?
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 combining the two hypnotics; if unavoidable, use the lowest doses and monitor sedation and respiratory function.
What other medicines interact with Secobarbital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Secobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Secobarbital page.
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