Can you take Butisol Sodium with Equanil?
No drug interactions found, but 34 warnings to review for the following 2 drugs:
- Butisol Sodium (butabarbital)
- Equanil (meprobamate)
Drug interactions
There were no interactions found between Butisol Sodium and Equanil. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Therapeutic duplication warnings
Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition.
It can be intentional, when combining drugs with similar actions adds demonstrated therapeutic benefit — or unintentional, such as when a patient sees multiple prescribers or fills prescriptions at more than one pharmacy, which can lead to adverse effects.
Duplication:
Tranquilizers
The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'tranquilizers' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'tranquilizers' category:
- Butisol Sodium (butabarbital)
- Equanil (meprobamate)
Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.
Food/lifestyle interactions
Major food/lifestyle interactions
Major:
butabarbital Alcohol (Ethanol)
Applies to: Butisol Sodium (butabarbital)
Ask your doctor before using butabarbital together with ethanol (alcohol), this can add to dizziness, drowsiness and other side effects of butabarbital. 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 butabarbital. 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.
Moderate food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate:
meprobamate Food/Lifestyle
Applies to: Equanil (meprobamate)
Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of meprobamate such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with meprobamate. Do not use more than the recommended dose of meprobamate, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
Disease interactions
31 potential interactions Applies to: 19 conditions, including Depression, Vitamin D Deficiency, Seizures, Urinary Retention, and Adrenal Insufficiency.
Acute Alcohol Intoxication
Major:
Butisol Sodium
The butabarbital in Butisol Sodium 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.
Major:
Equanil
The meprobamate in Equanil has a major potential interaction with Acute Alcohol Intoxication.
Anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic agents should generally not be given to patients with acute alcohol intoxication exhibiting depressed vital signs. The central nervous system depressant effects of these agents may be additive with those of alcohol. Severe respiratory depression and death may occur. Therapy with such agents should be administered cautiously in patients who might be prone to acute alcohol intake.
Adrenal Insufficiency
Moderate:
Butisol Sodium
The butabarbital in Butisol Sodium 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:
Butisol Sodium
The butabarbital in Butisol Sodium 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.
Major:
Equanil
The meprobamate in Equanil has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.
Anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic agents 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, and abrupt cessation and/or a reduction in dosage may precipitate withdrawal symptoms. In patients who have developed tolerance, overdosage can still produce respiratory depression and death. Therapy with anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic agents should be administered cautiously and for as brief a period as possible. 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 these agents. In addition, it may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to such patients. After prolonged use or if dependency is suspected, withdrawal of medication should be undertaken gradually using a dosage-tapering schedule.
Moderate:
Equanil
The meprobamate in Equanil has a moderate potential interaction with Alcoholism.
Physical dependence, psychological dependence, and abuse have occurred with the use of meprobamate. Chronic intoxication from prolonged use usually involves ingestion of greater than recommended doses, and it is manifested by ataxia, slurred speech, and vertigo. Careful supervision of dose and amounts prescribed is advised, as well as avoidance of prolonged administration, especially in alcoholics and other patients with known propensity for taking excessive quantities of drugs.
Asphyxia
Major:
Butisol Sodium
The butabarbital in Butisol Sodium 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.
Moderate:
Equanil
The meprobamate in Equanil has a moderate potential interaction with Asphyxia.
Oral anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic agents may cause respiratory depression and apnea when given in high dosages or following acute overdose. 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 anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic agents should be administered cautiously in these patients. Appropriate monitoring and individualization of dosage are recommended.
Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts
Moderate:
Butisol Sodium
The butabarbital in Butisol Sodium 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
Major:
Equanil
The meprobamate in Equanil has a major potential interaction with Depression.
A variety of abnormal thinking and behavior changes have been reported to occur in association with the use of most anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics. Some of these changes include decreased inhibition, aggressiveness, agitation, and hallucinations. These drugs can cause or exacerbate mental depression and cause suicidal behavior and ideation. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of depression or other psychiatric disorders. Patients should be monitored for any changes in mood or behavior. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients.
Moderate:
Butisol Sodium
The butabarbital in Butisol Sodium 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:
Butisol Sodium
The butabarbital in Butisol Sodium 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:
Butisol Sodium
The butabarbital in Butisol Sodium 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.
Major:
Equanil
The meprobamate in Equanil has a major potential interaction with Drug Dependence.
Anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic agents 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, and abrupt cessation and/or a reduction in dosage may precipitate withdrawal symptoms. In patients who have developed tolerance, overdosage can still produce respiratory depression and death. Therapy with anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic agents should be administered cautiously and for as brief a period as possible. 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 these agents. In addition, it may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to such patients. After prolonged use or if dependency is suspected, withdrawal of medication should be undertaken gradually using a dosage-tapering schedule.
Moderate:
Equanil
The meprobamate in Equanil has a moderate potential interaction with Drug Dependence.
Physical dependence, psychological dependence, and abuse have occurred with the use of meprobamate. Chronic intoxication from prolonged use usually involves ingestion of greater than recommended doses, and it is manifested by ataxia, slurred speech, and vertigo. Careful supervision of dose and amounts prescribed is advised, as well as avoidance of prolonged administration, especially in alcoholics and other patients with known propensity for taking excessive quantities of drugs.
Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension
Moderate:
Equanil
The meprobamate in Equanil has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.
Some hypnotic drugs can have an anticholinergic effect and should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, and trouble urinating due to retention or enlarged prostate.
Hyperkinetic Syndrome of Childhood
Moderate:
Butisol Sodium
The butabarbital in Butisol Sodium 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.
Liver Disease
Major:
Butisol Sodium
The butabarbital in Butisol Sodium 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.
Moderate:
Equanil
The meprobamate in Equanil has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Some anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are extensively metabolized by the liver, and excreted in the urine. Patients with impaired renal and/or hepatic function may be at greater risk for adverse effects, including central nervous system and respiratory depression, due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in such patients, with careful dose selection usually starting at the low end of the dosing range.
Moderate:
Equanil
The meprobamate in Equanil has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
In general, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are extensively metabolized by the liver. Their plasma clearance may be decreased and their half-life prolonged in patients with impaired hepatic function. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease (some are not recommended in severe liver impairment), and the dosage should be adjusted accordingly. Laboratory testing is recommended prior and during treatment.
Panhypopituitarism
Moderate:
Butisol Sodium
The butabarbital in Butisol Sodium 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:
Butisol Sodium
The butabarbital in Butisol Sodium 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.
Major:
Equanil
The meprobamate in Equanil has a major potential interaction with Porphyria.
The use of meprobamate is contraindicated in patients with acute intermittent porphyria. Meprobamate has been reported to precipitate acute attacks of porphyria in susceptible patients.
Pulmonary Impairment
Major:
Butisol Sodium
The butabarbital in Butisol Sodium 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.
Moderate:
Equanil
The meprobamate in Equanil has a moderate potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.
Oral anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic agents may cause respiratory depression and apnea when given in high dosages or following acute overdose. 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 anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic agents should be administered cautiously in these patients. Appropriate monitoring and individualization of dosage are recommended.
Renal Dysfunction
Moderate:
Equanil
The meprobamate in Equanil has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Some anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are extensively metabolized by the liver, and excreted in the urine. Patients with impaired renal and/or hepatic function may be at greater risk for adverse effects, including central nervous system and respiratory depression, due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in such patients, with careful dose selection usually starting at the low end of the dosing range.
Respiratory Arrest
Major:
Butisol Sodium
The butabarbital in Butisol Sodium 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.
Moderate:
Equanil
The meprobamate in Equanil has a moderate potential interaction with Respiratory Arrest.
Oral anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic agents may cause respiratory depression and apnea when given in high dosages or following acute overdose. 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 anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic agents should be administered cautiously in these patients. Appropriate monitoring and individualization of dosage are recommended.
Seizures
Moderate:
Equanil
The meprobamate in Equanil has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.
Meprobamate may occasionally precipitate seizures in epileptic patients. Therapy with meprobamate should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of epilepsy.
Urinary Retention
Moderate:
Equanil
The meprobamate in Equanil has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.
Some hypnotic drugs can have an anticholinergic effect and should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, and trouble urinating due to retention or enlarged prostate.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Moderate:
Butisol Sodium
The butabarbital in Butisol Sodium 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
Butisol Sodium
A total of 603 drugs are known to interact with Butisol Sodium.
- Butisol sodium is in the drug class barbiturates.
- Butisol sodium is used to treat Sedation.
Equanil
A total of 350 drugs are known to interact with Equanil.
- Equanil is in the drug class miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics.
- Equanil is used to treat Anxiety.
Drug Interaction Classification
| Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
| Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
| 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. | |
| No interaction information available. |
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.