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Can you take Benzethonium chloride / lidocaine topical with Phenobarbital?

1 drug interaction and 31 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

PHENobarbital lidocaine topical

Applies to: phenobarbital and benzethonium chloride / lidocaine topical

Some of the medication in lidocaine topical may be absorbed into the bloodstream following local application. When present in sufficient concentrations in the blood, local anesthetics such as lidocaine topical may cause methemoglobinemia, a rare condition that can lead to oxygen deprivation in tissues and vital organs due to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. The risk is increased when combined with other medications that can also induce methemoglobinemia such as PHENobarbital. Individuals may be more susceptible to developing methemoglobinemia during treatment with these medications if they are very young (especially neonates and infants) or have anemia, diseases of the heart or lungs, blood circulation disorders, liver cirrhosis, shock, sepsis, and certain genetic predispositions such as NADH cytochrome-b5 reductase deficiency, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, and hemoglobin M. In addition, use of topical anesthetics on inflamed or abraded areas or broken skin, as well as excessive use such as application of large doses or on larger than recommended areas, can increase absorption and result in high blood levels of the medication. Topical anesthetics that are applied to mucous membranes such as inside the mouth, nose, or throat (e.G., for sore throat; for numbing prior to dental procedures or scoping of the lungs or gastrointestinal tract) may also be absorbed to a significant extent. Close medical supervision is necessary when medications that can cause methemoglobinemia are used together. Do not exceed the recommended dose or frequency and duration of use when treated with products that contain local anesthetics, including some over-the-counter preparations. Signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia may be delayed by several hours after treatment with topical anesthetics. Patients (or their caregivers) should seek immediate medical attention if they develop a gray discoloration of the skin, mouth, or nail bed; nausea; headache; dizziness; lightheadedness; fatigue; shortness of breath; rapid or shallow breathing; a rapid heartbeat; palpitation; anxiety; or confusion. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food/lifestyle interactions

Major food/lifestyle interactions

Major:

PHENobarbital Alcohol (Ethanol)

Applies to: phenobarbital

Ask your doctor before using PHENobarbital together with ethanol (alcohol), this can add to dizziness, drowsiness and other side effects of PHENobarbital. Be careful if you drive or do activities that require you to be awake and alert. Talk with your doctor before using any medications together, or drinking alcohol with PHENobarbital. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Minor food/lifestyle interactions

Minor:

lidocaine topical Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: benzethonium chloride / lidocaine topical

Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.

Disease interactions

29 potential interactions Applies to: 25 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Depression, Vitamin D Deficiency, Seizures, and Hypotension.

Acute Alcohol Intoxication

Major:

phenobarbital

PHENobarbital has a major potential interaction with Acute Alcohol Intoxication.

The use of barbiturates is contraindicated in patients with acute alcohol intoxication exhibiting depressed vital signs. The central nervous system depressant effects of barbiturates may be additive with those of alcohol. Severe respiratory depression and death may occur. Therapy with barbiturates should be administered cautiously in patients who might be prone to acute alcohol intake.

Adrenal Insufficiency

Moderate:

phenobarbital

PHENobarbital has a moderate potential interaction with Adrenal Insufficiency.

Barbiturates, especially phenobarbital, secobarbital and butabarbital, may diminish the systemic effects of exogenous and endogenous corticosteroids via induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes, thereby accelerating the metabolism of corticosteroids. In addition, barbiturates may interfere with pituitary corticotropin production. Therapy with barbiturates should be administered cautiously in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Patients with borderline hypoadrenalism should be monitored closely, and patients receiving steroid supplementation may require an adjustment in dosage when barbiturates are added to or withdrawn from their medication regimen.

Alcoholism

Major:

phenobarbital

PHENobarbital has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Barbiturates have the potential to cause dependence and abuse. Tolerance as well as physical and psychological dependence can develop, particularly after prolonged use of excessive dosages. Abrupt cessation and/or a reduction in dosage may precipitate withdrawal symptoms. In patients who have developed tolerance to a barbiturate, overdosage can still produce respiratory depression and death, and cross-tolerance usually will occur with other agents in the class. Addiction-prone individuals, such as those with a history of alcohol or substance abuse, should be under careful surveillance or medical supervision when treated with barbiturates. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients. After prolonged use or if dependency is suspected, withdrawal of barbiturates should be undertaken gradually using a dosage-tapering schedule.

Altered Consciousness

Major:

phenobarbital

PHENobarbital has a major potential interaction with Altered Consciousness.

Barbiturates should not be administered by injection to patients in shock or coma or who have recently received another respiratory depressant. The hypnotic and hypotensive effects of these agents may be prolonged and intensified in such patients.

Asphyxia

Major:

phenobarbital

PHENobarbital has a major potential interaction with Asphyxia.

Barbiturates may produce severe respiratory depression, apnea, laryngospasm, bronchospasm and cough, particularly during rapid intravenous administration. In usual hypnotic dosages, the degree of respiratory depression produced is similar to that which occurs during physiologic sleep, while at higher dosages, the rate, depth and volume of respiration may be markedly decreased. However, some patients may be susceptible at commonly used dosages, including the elderly, debilitated or severely ill patients, those receiving other CNS depressants, and those with limited ventilatory reserve, chronic pulmonary insufficiency or other respiratory disorders. Therapy with barbiturates should be administered cautiously in these patients. Appropriate monitoring and individualization of dosage are particularly important, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if the parenteral route is used. Barbiturates, especially injectable formulations, should generally be avoided in patients with sleep apnea, hypoxia, or severe pulmonary diseases in which dyspnea or obstruction is evident.

Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts

Moderate:

phenobarbital

PHENobarbital has a moderate potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.

Hematologic toxicity, including agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenic purpura and megaloblastic anemia, has been reported rarely during use of barbiturates. Therapy with barbiturates should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting blood dyscrasias or bone marrow suppression. Blood counts are recommended prior to and periodically during long-term therapy, and patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggestive of blood dyscrasia such as fever, sore throat, local infection, easy bruising, petechiae, bleeding, pallor, dizziness, or jaundice. Barbiturate therapy should be discontinued if blood dyscrasias occur.

Depression

Moderate:

phenobarbital

PHENobarbital has a moderate potential interaction with Depression.

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Pooled analyses of 199 placebo-controlled clinical studies involving the use of 11 different AEDs showed that patients receiving AEDs had approximately twice the risk of suicidal thinking or behavior compared to patients receiving placebo. AEDs should be administered cautiously in patients with depression or other psychiatric disorders; phentermine-topiramate should be avoided in patients with history of suicidal attempts or active suicidal ideation. The risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior should be carefully assessed against the risk of untreated illness, bearing in mind that epilepsy and many other conditions for which AEDs are prescribed are themselves associated with morbidity and mortality and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients, caregivers, and families should be alert to the emergence or worsening of signs and symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the emergence of suicidal thoughts or behavior. If patients have symptoms of suicidal ideation or behavior, a dosage reduction or treatment discontinuation should be considered.

Moderate:

phenobarbital

PHENobarbital has a moderate potential interaction with Depression.

Barbiturates depress the central nervous system and may cause or exacerbate mental depression. Therapy with barbiturates should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of depression or suicidal tendencies. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients.

Dermatitis, Drug-Induced

Major:

phenobarbital

PHENobarbital has a major potential interaction with Dermatitis, Drug-Induced.

Skin eruptions may precede rare but potentially fatal barbiturate-induced reactions such as systemic lupus erythematosus and exfoliative dermatitis, the latter of which may be accompanied by hepatitis and jaundice. Therapy with barbiturates should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting drug-induced dermatitis, since it may delay the recognition of a potential reaction to barbiturates. Barbiturate therapy should be withdrawn promptly at the first sign of a dermatologic adverse effect. However, cutaneous reactions may proceed to an irreversible stage even after cessation of medication due to the slow rate of metabolism and excretion of barbiturates. Patients should be advised to promptly report signs that may indicate impending development of barbiturate-related cutaneous lesions, including high fever, severe headache, stomatitis, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, urethritis, and balanitis. Rashes may be more likely to occur with phenobarbital and mephobarbital.

Drug Dependence

Major:

phenobarbital

PHENobarbital has a major potential interaction with Drug Dependence.

Barbiturates have the potential to cause dependence and abuse. Tolerance as well as physical and psychological dependence can develop, particularly after prolonged use of excessive dosages. Abrupt cessation and/or a reduction in dosage may precipitate withdrawal symptoms. In patients who have developed tolerance to a barbiturate, overdosage can still produce respiratory depression and death, and cross-tolerance usually will occur with other agents in the class. Addiction-prone individuals, such as those with a history of alcohol or substance abuse, should be under careful surveillance or medical supervision when treated with barbiturates. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients. After prolonged use or if dependency is suspected, withdrawal of barbiturates should be undertaken gradually using a dosage-tapering schedule.

Heart Block

Major:

benzethonium chloride / lidocaine topical

The lidocaine topical in benzethonium chloride / lidocaine topical has a major potential interaction with Heart Block.

Lidocaine is absorbed through intact skin and mucosal membranes following topical administration. Prolonged exposure, large doses, frequent applications and/or use on compromised skin or mucosa can produce systemic effects. At high plasma levels, lidocaine can cause hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse. Therapy with lidocaine topical should be administered cautiously in patients with shock, sinus bradyarrhythmia, or severe heart block. The recommended dosage should not be exceeded. Children and debilitated, elderly, or acutely ill patients should be given reduced dosages commensurate with their age, weight, and physical condition.

Heart Disease

Major:

phenobarbital

PHENobarbital has a major potential interaction with Heart Disease.

The intravenous administration of barbiturates may produce severe cardiovascular reactions such as bradycardia, hypertension, or vasodilation with fall in blood pressure, particularly during rapid infusion. Parenteral therapy with barbiturates should be administered cautiously in patients with hypertension, hypotension, or cardiac disease. The intravenous administration of barbiturates should be reserved for emergency treatment of acute seizures or for anesthesia.

High Blood Pressure

Major:

phenobarbital

PHENobarbital has a major potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

The intravenous administration of barbiturates may produce severe cardiovascular reactions such as bradycardia, hypertension, or vasodilation with fall in blood pressure, particularly during rapid infusion. Parenteral therapy with barbiturates should be administered cautiously in patients with hypertension, hypotension, or cardiac disease. The intravenous administration of barbiturates should be reserved for emergency treatment of acute seizures or for anesthesia.

Hyperkinetic Syndrome of Childhood

Moderate:

phenobarbital

PHENobarbital has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperkinetic Syndrome of Childhood.

Paradoxical reactions characterized by excitability and restlessness may occur in pediatric patients with hyperactive aggressive disorders. Such patients should be monitored for signs of paradoxical stimulation during therapy with barbiturates.

Hypotension

Major:

phenobarbital

PHENobarbital has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.

The intravenous administration of barbiturates may produce severe cardiovascular reactions such as bradycardia, hypertension, or vasodilation with fall in blood pressure, particularly during rapid infusion. Parenteral therapy with barbiturates should be administered cautiously in patients with hypertension, hypotension, or cardiac disease. The intravenous administration of barbiturates should be reserved for emergency treatment of acute seizures or for anesthesia.

Liver Disease

Major:

benzethonium chloride / lidocaine topical

The lidocaine topical in benzethonium chloride / lidocaine topical has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Lidocaine topical is absorbed through intact skin and mucosal membranes. Prolonged exposure, large doses, and/or application to compromised skin or mucosa can result in elevated plasma concentrations of lidocaine. Lidocaine is rapidly and extensively metabolized by the liver. Less than 10% is eliminated unchanged in the urine. Several inactive and two active forms (MEGX and GX) have been identified. MEGX and GX exhibit antiarrhythmic and convulsant properties. The pharmacokinetic disposition of lidocaine is altered by changes in hepatic function, including hepatic blood flow. Therapy with lidocaine topical should be administered cautiously and dosing modified for patients with compromised hepatic function.

Major:

phenobarbital

PHENobarbital has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Barbiturates are extensively metabolized by the liver. The plasma clearance of barbiturates may be decreased and the half-lives prolonged in patients with impaired hepatic function. Therapy with barbiturates should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with liver disease. Barbiturates are not recommended for use in patients with cirrhosis, hepatic failure, hepatic coma, or other severe hepatic impairment.

Panhypopituitarism

Moderate:

phenobarbital

PHENobarbital has a moderate potential interaction with Panhypopituitarism.

Barbiturates, especially phenobarbital, secobarbital and butabarbital, may diminish the systemic effects of exogenous and endogenous corticosteroids via induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes, thereby accelerating the metabolism of corticosteroids. In addition, barbiturates may interfere with pituitary corticotropin production. Therapy with barbiturates should be administered cautiously in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Patients with borderline hypoadrenalism should be monitored closely, and patients receiving steroid supplementation may require an adjustment in dosage when barbiturates are added to or withdrawn from their medication regimen.

Porphyria

Major:

phenobarbital

PHENobarbital has a major potential interaction with Porphyria.

The use of barbiturates is contraindicated in patients with a history of porphyria. Barbiturates may exacerbate acute intermittent porphyria or porphyria variegata by inducing the enzymes responsible for porphyrin synthesis.

Psychosis

Moderate:

phenobarbital

PHENobarbital has a moderate potential interaction with Psychosis.

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Pooled analyses of 199 placebo-controlled clinical studies involving the use of 11 different AEDs showed that patients receiving AEDs had approximately twice the risk of suicidal thinking or behavior compared to patients receiving placebo. AEDs should be administered cautiously in patients with depression or other psychiatric disorders; phentermine-topiramate should be avoided in patients with history of suicidal attempts or active suicidal ideation. The risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior should be carefully assessed against the risk of untreated illness, bearing in mind that epilepsy and many other conditions for which AEDs are prescribed are themselves associated with morbidity and mortality and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients, caregivers, and families should be alert to the emergence or worsening of signs and symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the emergence of suicidal thoughts or behavior. If patients have symptoms of suicidal ideation or behavior, a dosage reduction or treatment discontinuation should be considered.

Pulmonary Impairment

Major:

phenobarbital

PHENobarbital has a major potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.

Barbiturates may produce severe respiratory depression, apnea, laryngospasm, bronchospasm and cough, particularly during rapid intravenous administration. In usual hypnotic dosages, the degree of respiratory depression produced is similar to that which occurs during physiologic sleep, while at higher dosages, the rate, depth and volume of respiration may be markedly decreased. However, some patients may be susceptible at commonly used dosages, including the elderly, debilitated or severely ill patients, those receiving other CNS depressants, and those with limited ventilatory reserve, chronic pulmonary insufficiency or other respiratory disorders. Therapy with barbiturates should be administered cautiously in these patients. Appropriate monitoring and individualization of dosage are particularly important, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if the parenteral route is used. Barbiturates, especially injectable formulations, should generally be avoided in patients with sleep apnea, hypoxia, or severe pulmonary diseases in which dyspnea or obstruction is evident.

Renal Dysfunction

Major:

benzethonium chloride / lidocaine topical

The lidocaine topical in benzethonium chloride / lidocaine topical has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Lidocaine topical is absorbed through intact skin and mucosal membranes. Prolonged exposure, large doses, and/or application to compromised skin or mucosa can result in elevated plasma concentrations of lidocaine. Lidocaine is primarily eliminated by the kidney. Less than 10% is eliminated unchanged in the urine. Two active metabolites (MEGX and GX) have been identified that exhibit antiarrhythmic and convulsant properties. Serum concentrations of lidocaine and the active metabolites are increased and the half-life prolonged in patients with renal impairment. Therapy with lidocaine topical should be administered cautiously and dosing modified for repeated doses in patients with compromised renal function.

Major:

phenobarbital

PHENobarbital has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

The long-acting barbiturate, phenobarbital, is partially eliminated by the kidney. The plasma clearance of phenobarbital may be decreased and the half-life prolonged in patients with impaired renal function. Therapy with phenobarbital should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with renal impairment. Since approximately 75% of a mephobarbital dose is metabolized to phenobarbital, the same precaution should be observed with mephobarbital. The remaining barbiturates, which are short- and intermediate-acting, are all negligibly excreted in the urine and may be appropriate alternatives in these patients.

Respiratory Arrest

Major:

phenobarbital

PHENobarbital has a major potential interaction with Respiratory Arrest.

Barbiturates may produce severe respiratory depression, apnea, laryngospasm, bronchospasm and cough, particularly during rapid intravenous administration. In usual hypnotic dosages, the degree of respiratory depression produced is similar to that which occurs during physiologic sleep, while at higher dosages, the rate, depth and volume of respiration may be markedly decreased. However, some patients may be susceptible at commonly used dosages, including the elderly, debilitated or severely ill patients, those receiving other CNS depressants, and those with limited ventilatory reserve, chronic pulmonary insufficiency or other respiratory disorders. Therapy with barbiturates should be administered cautiously in these patients. Appropriate monitoring and individualization of dosage are particularly important, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if the parenteral route is used. Barbiturates, especially injectable formulations, should generally be avoided in patients with sleep apnea, hypoxia, or severe pulmonary diseases in which dyspnea or obstruction is evident.

Seizures

Major:

benzethonium chloride / lidocaine topical

The lidocaine topical in benzethonium chloride / lidocaine topical has a major potential interaction with Seizures.

Lidocaine topical is absorbed through intact skin and mucosal membranes. Prolonged exposure, large doses, and/or application to compromised skin or mucosa can result in elevated plasma concentrations of lidocaine. Seizures can occur as a result of accumulation of active metabolites. Therapy with lidocaine topical should be administered cautiously to patients with or predisposed to seizure disorders.

Shock

Major:

benzethonium chloride / lidocaine topical

The lidocaine topical in benzethonium chloride / lidocaine topical has a major potential interaction with Shock.

Lidocaine is absorbed through intact skin and mucosal membranes following topical administration. Prolonged exposure, large doses, frequent applications and/or use on compromised skin or mucosa can produce systemic effects. At high plasma levels, lidocaine can cause hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse. Therapy with lidocaine topical should be administered cautiously in patients with shock, sinus bradyarrhythmia, or severe heart block. The recommended dosage should not be exceeded. Children and debilitated, elderly, or acutely ill patients should be given reduced dosages commensurate with their age, weight, and physical condition.

Major:

phenobarbital

PHENobarbital has a major potential interaction with Shock.

Barbiturates should not be administered by injection to patients in shock or coma or who have recently received another respiratory depressant. The hypnotic and hypotensive effects of these agents may be prolonged and intensified in such patients.

Teething Syndrome

Major:

benzethonium chloride / lidocaine topical

The lidocaine topical in benzethonium chloride / lidocaine topical has a major potential interaction with Teething Syndrome.

Topical lidocaine is not recommended to be used in teething infants and young children, as its ingestion is dangerous and potentially fatal. Ingestion of the drug has shown to result in seizures, severe brain injury, and heart problems in children.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Moderate:

phenobarbital

PHENobarbital has a moderate potential interaction with Vitamin D Deficiency.

Rickets and osteomalacia have rarely been reported following prolonged use of barbiturates, possibly due to increased metabolism of vitamin D as a result of enzyme induction by barbiturates. Long-term therapy with barbiturates should be administered cautiously in patients with vitamin D deficiency.

More resources

benzethonium chloride / lidocaine topical

A total of 122 drugs are known to interact with benzethonium chloride / lidocaine topical.

phenobarbital

A total of 851 drugs are known to interact with phenobarbital.

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.