Barbiturates/Corticosteroids (mono deleted 02/02/2012)
This information is generalized and not intended as specific medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional before taking or discontinuing any drug or commencing any course of treatment.
Medical warning:
Moderate. These medicines may cause some risk when taken together. Contact your healthcare professional (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) for more information.
How the interaction occurs:
When these two medicines are taken together, your body may not process your corticosteroid properly.
What might happen:
The beneficial effects of your corticosteroid may decrease.
What you should do about this interaction:
If you notice a change in your condition, contact your doctor. It may be necessary to adjust the dose of your medicine.Your healthcare professionals (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of this interaction and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
References:
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2.Brooks SM, Werk EE, Ackerman SJ, Sullivan I, Thrasher K. Adverse effects of phenobarbital on corticosteroid metabolism in patients with bronchial asthma. N Engl J Med 1972 May 25;286(21):1125-8.
3.Stjernholm MR, Katz FH. Effects of diphenylhydantoin, phenobarbital, and diazepam on the metabolism of methylprednisolone and its sodium succinate. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1975 Nov;41(5):887-93.
4.Brooks PM, Buchanan WW, Grove M, Downie WW. Effects of enzyme induction on metabolism of prednisolone. Clinical and laboratory study. Ann Rheum Dis 1976 AUG;35(4):339-43.
5.Gambertoglio J, Kapusnik J, Holford J, Nishikawa R, Hau T, Birnbaum J, Amend W Jr. Enhancement of prednisolone elimination by anticonvulsants in renal transplant recipients. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1982 Feb;31(2):228.
6.Gabrielsen J, Bendtsen A, Eriksen H, Andersen S. Methylprednisolone half-life during simultaneous barbiturate treatment and mechanical hyperventilation of neurosurgical patients. J Neurosurg 1985 Feb; 62(2):182-5.
7.Gambertoglio JG, Holford NH, Kapusnik JE, Nishikawa R, Saltiel M, Stanik-Lizak P, Birnbaum JL, Hau T, Amend WJ Jr. Disposition of total and unbound prednisolone in renal transplant patients receiving anticonvulsants. Kidney Int 1984 Jan;25(1):119-23.
8.Hancock KW, Levell MJ. Primidone/dexamethasone interaction. Lancet 1978 Jul 8;2(8080):97-8.
9.Young MC, Hughes IA. Loss of therapeutic control in congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to interaction between dexamethasone and primidone. Acta Paediatr Scand 1991 Jan;80(1):120-4.





