Drug interactions
Secobarbital + Triazolam
Severity: Major
Secobarbital and Triazolam: 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
Both drugs are sedatives and together increase drowsiness, impairment and respiratory depression risk. Secobarbital also induces CYP3A4, which may reduce triazolam levels and blunt its hypnotic effect, though CNS depression remains a concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Secobarbital and Triazolam 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 mediated CNS depression combined with barbiturate induction of CYP3A4 metabolism of triazolam.
What to do
Avoid using both hypnotics together; if unavoidable, use the lowest doses and monitor sedation and breathing. Do not simply escalate triazolam to overcome reduced effect.
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 Secobarbital with Triazolam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Secobarbital and Triazolam 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. Both drugs are sedatives and together increase drowsiness, impairment and respiratory depression risk. Secobarbital also induces CYP3A4, which may reduce triazolam levels and blunt its hypnotic effect, though CNS depression remains a concern.
How serious is the interaction between Secobarbital and Triazolam?
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 using both hypnotics together; if unavoidable, use the lowest doses and monitor sedation and breathing. Do not simply escalate triazolam to overcome reduced effect.
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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