Barbiturates/Phenothiazines Interactions

This information is generalized and not intended as specific medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional before taking or discontinuing any drug or commencing any course of treatment.

Medical warning:

Moderate. These medicines may cause some risk when taken together. Contact your healthcare professional (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) for more information.

How the interaction occurs:

When these two medicines are taken together, your body may process the medicines differently.

What might happen:

The effects of your barbiturate may increase and cause increased drowsiness, slowed breathing, and a decrease in blood pressure. The effects of your phenothiazine may decrease and it may not work as well.

What you should do about this interaction:

If you experience excessive drowsiness, slowed breathing, weakness, fatigue, or dizziness, contact your doctor. It may be necessary to monitor your blood pressure and breathing rate. Let your doctor know if your symptoms worsen. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of your medicines.Your healthcare professionals (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of this interaction and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

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  • 2.Chlorpromazine hydrochloride US prescribing information. Baxter Healthcare Corporation October, 2006.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.