Can you take Guanfacine with Primidone?
1 drug interaction and 43 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- guanfacine
- primidone
Drug interactions
Major drug interactions
Major:
primidone guanFACINE
Applies to: primidone and guanfacine
Primidone may significantly reduce the blood levels of guanFACINE, which may make the medication less effective in treating your condition.
Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications.
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:
guanFACINE Food/Lifestyle
Applies to: guanfacine
Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with guanFACINE, as it may increase blood levels and effects of the medication. This may cause blood pressure to fall excessively, especially when you rise from a sitting or lying position. The risk of other side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, headache, palpitations, and heart rate changes may also increase.
Additionally, you should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with guanFACINE. Combining the medication with alcohol can intensify sedative and blood pressure lowering effects, which may increase the risk of falls and injury.
Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
If you are using a long-acting or extended-release formulation of the medication, make sure you do not take it with a high-fat meal. Doing so results in increased absorption and elevated blood levels of the medication.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
Major:
primidone Alcohol (Ethanol)
Applies to: primidone
Ask your doctor before using primidone together with ethanol (alcohol), this can add to dizziness, drowsiness and other side effects of primidone.
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 primidone.
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.
Disease interactions
41 potential interactions Applies to: 23 conditions, including Depression, Vitamin D Deficiency, Hypotension, Peripheral Arterial Disease, and Psychosis.
Acute Alcohol Intoxication
Major:
primidone
Primidone 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:
primidone
Primidone has a moderate potential interaction with Adrenal Insufficiency.
Since primidone is structurally related to the barbiturate-derivative anticonvulsants and also partially metabolized to phenobarbital during chronic administration, the usual contraindications, warnings and precautions applicable to barbiturates should be observed with primidone.
Moderate:
primidone
Primidone 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:
primidone
Primidone has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.
Since primidone is structurally related to the barbiturate-derivative anticonvulsants and also partially metabolized to phenobarbital during chronic administration, the usual contraindications, warnings and precautions applicable to barbiturates should be observed with primidone.
Major:
primidone
Primidone 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.
Asphyxia
Major:
primidone
Primidone 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.
Major:
primidone
Primidone has a major potential interaction with Asphyxia.
Since primidone is structurally related to the barbiturate-derivative anticonvulsants and also partially metabolized to phenobarbital during chronic administration, the usual contraindications, warnings and precautions applicable to barbiturates should be observed with primidone.
Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts
Moderate:
primidone
Primidone has a moderate potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.
Since primidone is structurally related to the barbiturate-derivative anticonvulsants and also partially metabolized to phenobarbital during chronic administration, the usual contraindications, warnings and precautions applicable to barbiturates should be observed with primidone.
Moderate:
primidone
Primidone 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.
Cerebrovascular Insufficiency
Moderate:
guanfacine
guanFACINE has a moderate potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.
Central alpha-2 adrenoreceptor agonists reduce sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system, resulting in decreases in heart rate, peripheral and renovascular resistance, and blood pressure. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with hypotension or conditions that may be exacerbated by decreased blood pressure and perfusion, such as coronary insufficiency, peripheral vascular disease (e.g., Raynaud's syndrome), cerebrovascular disease, or recent myocardial infarction.
Depression
Major:
primidone
Primidone has a major potential interaction with Depression.
Since primidone is structurally related to the barbiturate-derivative anticonvulsants and also partially metabolized to phenobarbital during chronic administration, the usual contraindications, warnings and precautions applicable to barbiturates should be observed with primidone.
Moderate:
guanfacine
guanFACINE has a moderate potential interaction with Depression.
Central alpha-2 adrenoreceptor agonists may occasionally cause mental depression and should be used cautiously in patients with a history of depression.
Moderate:
primidone
Primidone 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.
Moderate:
primidone
Primidone 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.
Dermatitis, Drug-Induced
Major:
primidone
Primidone 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.
Major:
primidone
Primidone has a major potential interaction with Dermatitis, Drug-Induced.
Since primidone is structurally related to the barbiturate-derivative anticonvulsants and also partially metabolized to phenobarbital during chronic administration, the usual contraindications, warnings and precautions applicable to barbiturates should be observed with primidone.
Drug Dependence
Major:
primidone
Primidone 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:
primidone
Primidone has a major potential interaction with Drug Dependence.
Since primidone is structurally related to the barbiturate-derivative anticonvulsants and also partially metabolized to phenobarbital during chronic administration, the usual contraindications, warnings and precautions applicable to barbiturates should be observed with primidone.
Heart Block
Moderate:
guanfacine
guanFACINE has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Block.
Central alpha-2 adrenoreceptor agonists reduce sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system. Heart rate is decreased, which may lead to or exacerbate sinus bradycardia and atrioventricular block. Therapy with central alpha-2 adrenoreceptor agonists should be administered cautiously in patients with conduction disturbances such as sinus node dysfunction or AV nodal disease.
Hyperkinetic Syndrome of Childhood
Moderate:
guanfacine
guanFACINE has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperkinetic Syndrome of Childhood.
The safety and effectiveness of guanfacine in children under 12 years of age has not been demonstrated and its use in this age group is not recommended. However, there have been some spontaneous postmarketing reports of mania and aggressive behavioral changes in pediatric patients with attention- deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that received this drug. All patients had medical or family risks of bipolar disorder, and all of them recovered after treatment discontinuation. Hallucinations have also been reported in pediatric patients receiving guanfacine for the treatment of ADHD.
Moderate:
primidone
Primidone has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperkinetic Syndrome of Childhood.
Since primidone is structurally related to the barbiturate-derivative anticonvulsants and also partially metabolized to phenobarbital during chronic administration, the usual contraindications, warnings and precautions applicable to barbiturates should be observed with primidone.
Moderate:
primidone
Primidone 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
Moderate:
guanfacine
guanFACINE has a moderate potential interaction with Hypotension.
Central alpha-2 adrenoreceptor agonists reduce sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system, resulting in decreases in heart rate, peripheral and renovascular resistance, and blood pressure. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with hypotension or conditions that may be exacerbated by decreased blood pressure and perfusion, such as coronary insufficiency, peripheral vascular disease (e.g., Raynaud's syndrome), cerebrovascular disease, or recent myocardial infarction.
Ischemic Heart Disease
Moderate:
guanfacine
guanFACINE has a moderate potential interaction with Ischemic Heart Disease.
Central alpha-2 adrenoreceptor agonists reduce sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system, resulting in decreases in heart rate, peripheral and renovascular resistance, and blood pressure. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with hypotension or conditions that may be exacerbated by decreased blood pressure and perfusion, such as coronary insufficiency, peripheral vascular disease (e.g., Raynaud's syndrome), cerebrovascular disease, or recent myocardial infarction.
Liver Disease
Major:
primidone
Primidone has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.
During chronic administration, primidone is slowly metabolized by the liver and excreted in the urine as phenylethylmalonamide (PEMA), phenobarbital and p-hydroxyphenobarbital, the latter two of which are pharmacologically active. The plasma clearance of primidone and its metabolites may be decreased and the half-lives prolonged in patients with impaired hepatic and/or renal function. Therapy with primidone should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with liver and/or renal disease.
Moderate:
guanfacine
guanFACINE has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Normally, approximately 50% of a guanfacine dose is eliminated unchanged by the kidney and the rest metabolized by the liver. However, neither the parent drug nor its metabolites accumulate significantly during chronic dosing in patients with severe renal impairment due to increased hepatic metabolism of the drug in these patients. Thus, initial dosage adjustments are generally not necessary in renal impairment. Dosage titration, however, should be made cautiously if hepatic function is also compromised. The pharmacokinetics of guanfacine has not been studied in patients with liver disease. The manufacturer recommends caution when the drug is used in such patients.
Panhypopituitarism
Moderate:
primidone
Primidone has a moderate potential interaction with Panhypopituitarism.
Since primidone is structurally related to the barbiturate-derivative anticonvulsants and also partially metabolized to phenobarbital during chronic administration, the usual contraindications, warnings and precautions applicable to barbiturates should be observed with primidone.
Moderate:
primidone
Primidone 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.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Moderate:
guanfacine
guanFACINE has a moderate potential interaction with Peripheral Arterial Disease.
Central alpha-2 adrenoreceptor agonists reduce sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system, resulting in decreases in heart rate, peripheral and renovascular resistance, and blood pressure. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with hypotension or conditions that may be exacerbated by decreased blood pressure and perfusion, such as coronary insufficiency, peripheral vascular disease (e.g., Raynaud's syndrome), cerebrovascular disease, or recent myocardial infarction.
Porphyria
Major:
primidone
Primidone 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:
primidone
Primidone has a major potential interaction with Porphyria.
Since primidone is structurally related to the barbiturate-derivative anticonvulsants and also partially metabolized to phenobarbital during chronic administration, the usual contraindications, warnings and precautions applicable to barbiturates should be observed with primidone.
Psychosis
Moderate:
primidone
Primidone 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:
primidone
Primidone has a major potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.
Since primidone is structurally related to the barbiturate-derivative anticonvulsants and also partially metabolized to phenobarbital during chronic administration, the usual contraindications, warnings and precautions applicable to barbiturates should be observed with primidone.
Major:
primidone
Primidone 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:
primidone
Primidone has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
During chronic administration, primidone is slowly metabolized by the liver and excreted in the urine as phenylethylmalonamide (PEMA), phenobarbital and p-hydroxyphenobarbital, the latter two of which are pharmacologically active. The plasma clearance of primidone and its metabolites may be decreased and the half-lives prolonged in patients with impaired hepatic and/or renal function. Therapy with primidone should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with liver and/or renal disease.
Moderate:
guanfacine
guanFACINE has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Normally, approximately 50% of a guanfacine dose is eliminated unchanged by the kidney and the rest metabolized by the liver. However, neither the parent drug nor its metabolites accumulate significantly during chronic dosing in patients with severe renal impairment due to increased hepatic metabolism of the drug in these patients. Thus, initial dosage adjustments are generally not necessary in renal impairment. Dosage titration, however, should be made cautiously if hepatic function is also compromised. The pharmacokinetics of guanfacine has not been studied in patients with liver disease. The manufacturer recommends caution when the drug is used in such patients.
Respiratory Arrest
Major:
primidone
Primidone has a major potential interaction with Respiratory Arrest.
Since primidone is structurally related to the barbiturate-derivative anticonvulsants and also partially metabolized to phenobarbital during chronic administration, the usual contraindications, warnings and precautions applicable to barbiturates should be observed with primidone.
Major:
primidone
Primidone 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.
Sinus Node Dysfunction
Moderate:
guanfacine
guanFACINE has a moderate potential interaction with Sinus Node Dysfunction.
Central alpha-2 adrenoreceptor agonists reduce sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system. Heart rate is decreased, which may lead to or exacerbate sinus bradycardia and atrioventricular block. Therapy with central alpha-2 adrenoreceptor agonists should be administered cautiously in patients with conduction disturbances such as sinus node dysfunction or AV nodal disease.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Moderate:
primidone
Primidone has a moderate potential interaction with Vitamin D Deficiency.
Since primidone is structurally related to the barbiturate-derivative anticonvulsants and also partially metabolized to phenobarbital during chronic administration, the usual contraindications, warnings and precautions applicable to barbiturates should be observed with primidone.
Moderate:
primidone
Primidone 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
guanfacine
A total of 535 drugs are known to interact with guanfacine.
- Guanfacine is in the drug class antiadrenergic agents, centrally acting.
-
Guanfacine is used to treat the following conditions:
- ADHD
- High Blood Pressure
- Tourette's Syndrome (off-label)
primidone
A total of 733 drugs are known to interact with primidone.
- Primidone is in the drug class barbiturate anticonvulsants.
-
Primidone is used to treat the following conditions:
- Benign Essential Tremor (off-label)
- Epilepsy
- Seizures
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.