Skip to main content

Can you take Promethazine DM with Secobarbital?

3 drug interactions and 53 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

Add/remove drugs

Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

dextromethorphan secobarbital

Applies to: Promethazine DM (dextromethorphan / promethazine) and secobarbital

Using dextromethorphan together with secobarbital may increase side effects such as:

  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • confusion
  • difficulty concentrating

Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination.

What to do: You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you.

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. 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:

dextromethorphan promethazine

Applies to: Promethazine DM (dextromethorphan / promethazine) and Promethazine DM (dextromethorphan / promethazine)

Using dextromethorphan together with promethazine may increase side effects such as:

  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • confusion
  • difficulty concentrating

Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination.

What to do: You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you.

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. 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:

secobarbital promethazine

Applies to: secobarbital and Promethazine DM (dextromethorphan / promethazine)

Using secobarbital together with promethazine can alter the drug levels and effects of both medications.

Contact your doctor if you experience:

  • slow or shallow breathing
  • extreme sleepiness
  • hypotension
  • a convulsion

You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor 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:

secobarbital Alcohol (Ethanol)

Applies to: secobarbital

Ask your doctor before using secobarbital together with ethanol (alcohol), this can add to dizziness, drowsiness and other side effects of secobarbital.

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 secobarbital.

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:

dextromethorphan Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: Promethazine DM (dextromethorphan / promethazine)

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of dextromethorphan such as:

  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • 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 dextromethorphan.

Do not use more than the recommended dose of dextromethorphan, 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.

Moderate:

promethazine Alcohol (Ethanol)

Applies to: Promethazine DM (dextromethorphan / promethazine)

Ask your doctor before using promethazine together with ethanol (alcohol).

This can cause:

  • uncontrollable movements
  • agitation
  • seizures
  • severe dizziness or fainting
  • coma
  • very deep sleep
  • irregular heartbeats
  • high or low body temperature

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities, these medicaions may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

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

50 potential interactions Applies to: 40 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Depression, Vitamin D Deficiency, Asthma, and COPD.

Acute Alcohol Intoxication

Major:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a major potential interaction with Acute Alcohol Intoxication.

Phenothiazines are contraindicated in the presence of large amounts of central nervous system depressants such as alcohol. The risk of suicide and the danger of overdose may be increased in patients who use alcohol excessively. Phenothiazines should be used with caution in patients experiencing alcohol withdrawal.

Major:

secobarbital

Secobarbital 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:

secobarbital

Secobarbital 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:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Phenothiazines are contraindicated in the presence of large amounts of central nervous system depressants such as alcohol. The risk of suicide and the danger of overdose may be increased in patients who use alcohol excessively. Phenothiazines should be used with caution in patients experiencing alcohol withdrawal.

Major:

secobarbital

Secobarbital 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:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a major potential interaction with Altered Consciousness.

The use of phenothiazines is contraindicated in comatose patients and patients with severe central nervous system depression. Phenothiazines may potentiate the CNS and respiratory depression in these patients.

Major:

secobarbital

Secobarbital 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.

Arrhythmia

Major:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a major potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.

Asphyxia

Major:

secobarbital

Secobarbital 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.

Asthma

Moderate:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a moderate potential interaction with Asthma.

It has been suggested that the anticholinergic effect of antihistamines may reduce the volume and cause thickening of bronchial secretions, resulting in obstruction of respiratory tract. Some manufacturers and clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts

Major:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a major potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.

Phenothiazines may cause hematologic toxicity. In patients with preexisting blood dyscrasias, bone marrow suppression, or a history of drug-induced leukopenia or neutropenia, phenothiazines should not be used or are contraindicated. Complete blood counts should be regularly monitored in patients with risk factors for blood dyscrasias. If white blood cell counts indicate cellular depression, discontinue treatment and institute appropriate therapy.

Moderate:

secobarbital

Secobarbital 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.

Breast Cancer

Moderate:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a moderate potential interaction with Breast Cancer.

The chronic use of phenothiazines is associated with persistent elevations in prolactin levels. The clinical significance in patients with a history of breast cancer is unknown and should be considered prior to therapy; approximately one-third of human breast cancers are thought to be prolactin-dependent. Chronic administration of neuroleptic drugs has been associated with mammary tumorigenesis in animal studies; however, evidence is inconclusive in humans.

Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders

Major:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.

Central Nervous System Disorders

Moderate:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a moderate potential interaction with Central Nervous System Disorders.

Phenothiazines can lower the seizure threshold. Caution is recommended during administration in patients with a history of convulsive disorders or EEG abnormalities. Anticonvulsant therapy should be maintained or adequately adjusted during phenothiazine treatment.

Cerebrovascular Insufficiency

Major:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a major potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.

Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.

COPD

Moderate:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a moderate potential interaction with COPD.

It has been suggested that the anticholinergic effect of antihistamines may reduce the volume and cause thickening of bronchial secretions, resulting in obstruction of respiratory tract. Some manufacturers and clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Dehydration

Major:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a major potential interaction with Dehydration.

Promethazine has weak central antidopaminergic activity. While its use is rarely associated with adverse effects secondary to dopaminergic blockade, large doses have produced extrapyramidal reactions. During chronic administration and/or high-dose therapy, the usual contraindications, warnings and precautions applicable to phenothiazines should be observed with promethazine.

Depression

Moderate:

secobarbital

Secobarbital 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:

secobarbital

Secobarbital 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:

secobarbital

Secobarbital 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.

Gastrointestinal Obstruction

Moderate:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a moderate potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.

Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension

Moderate:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.

Heart Disease

Major:

secobarbital

Secobarbital 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:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a major potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.

Major:

secobarbital

Secobarbital 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.

History - Cerebrovascular Disease

Major:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a major potential interaction with History - Cerebrovascular Disease.

Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.

History - Myocardial Infarction

Major:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a major potential interaction with History - Myocardial Infarction.

Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.

Hyperkinetic Syndrome of Childhood

Moderate:

secobarbital

Secobarbital 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.

Hypocalcemia

Major:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a major potential interaction with Hypocalcemia.

Promethazine has weak central antidopaminergic activity. While its use is rarely associated with adverse effects secondary to dopaminergic blockade, large doses have produced extrapyramidal reactions. During chronic administration and/or high-dose therapy, the usual contraindications, warnings and precautions applicable to phenothiazines should be observed with promethazine.

Hypotension

Major:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.

Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.

Major:

secobarbital

Secobarbital 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:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Therapy with phenothiazines should be administered cautiously or are contraindicated in patients with preexisting liver disease or with a history of jaundice due to phenothiazine hypersensitivity. Patients with a history of hepatic encephalopathy due to cirrhosis may have increased sensitivity to the central nervous system effects of some phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine). Treatment should be discontinued if jaundice occurs.

Major:

secobarbital

Secobarbital 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.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Major:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a major potential interaction with Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.

Promethazine has weak central antidopaminergic activity. While its use is rarely associated with adverse effects secondary to dopaminergic blockade, large doses have produced extrapyramidal reactions. During chronic administration and/or high-dose therapy, the usual contraindications, warnings and precautions applicable to phenothiazines should be observed with promethazine.

Moderate:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a moderate potential interaction with Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.

Therapy with phenothiazines may precipitate or aggravate a potentially fatal symptom complex known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Treatment should not be initiated in patients with active NMS, and should be immediately discontinued if currently administered in such patients. In patients with a history of NMS, introduction or reintroduction of phenothiazines should be carefully considered, since NMS may recur.

Panhypopituitarism

Moderate:

secobarbital

Secobarbital 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.

Parkinsonism

Moderate:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a moderate potential interaction with Parkinsonism.

Promethazine has weak central antidopaminergic activity. While its use is rarely associated with adverse effects secondary to dopaminergic blockade, large doses have produced extrapyramidal reactions. During chronic administration and/or high-dose therapy, the usual contraindications, warnings and precautions applicable to phenothiazines should be observed with promethazine.

Pheochromocytoma

Major:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a major potential interaction with Pheochromocytoma.

Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.

Porphyria

Major:

secobarbital

Secobarbital 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.

Pulmonary Impairment

Major:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a major potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.

Promethazine is contraindicated for use in the treatment of lower respiratory tract symptoms including asthma. Furthermore, promethazine tablets may lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression, and its use should be avoided in patients with compromised respiratory function such as patients with COPD, and sleep apnea.

Major:

secobarbital

Secobarbital 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.

Respiratory Arrest

Major:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a major potential interaction with Respiratory Arrest.

The use of phenothiazines is contraindicated in comatose patients and patients with severe central nervous system depression. Phenothiazines may potentiate the CNS and respiratory depression in these patients.

Major:

secobarbital

Secobarbital 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

Moderate:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.

Phenothiazines can lower the seizure threshold. Caution is recommended during administration in patients with a history of convulsive disorders or EEG abnormalities. Anticonvulsant therapy should be maintained or adequately adjusted during phenothiazine treatment.

Shock

Major:

secobarbital

Secobarbital 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.

Tardive Dyskinesia

Major:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a major potential interaction with Tardive Dyskinesia.

Promethazine has weak central antidopaminergic activity. While its use is rarely associated with adverse effects secondary to dopaminergic blockade, large doses have produced extrapyramidal reactions. During chronic administration and/or high-dose therapy, the usual contraindications, warnings and precautions applicable to phenothiazines should be observed with promethazine.

Urinary Retention

Moderate:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.

Valvular Heart Disease

Major:

Promethazine DM

The promethazine in Promethazine DM has a major potential interaction with Valvular Heart Disease.

Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Moderate:

secobarbital

Secobarbital 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

Promethazine DM

A total of 773 drugs are known to interact with Promethazine DM.

secobarbital

A total of 625 drugs are known to interact with secobarbital.

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.