Does Acetaminophen Caffeine Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate Interact with Phenobarbital?
Acetaminophen Caffeine Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate and Phenobarbital have a minor drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Caffeine may increase the metabolism of phenobarbital. The mechanism involves enhanced hepatic metabolism. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Minor
- Acetaminophen Caffeine Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate Class
- Central Nervous System Stimulant
- Management
- Generally manageable
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
How This Interaction Works
The interaction between Acetaminophen Caffeine Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate and Phenobarbital occurs because enhanced hepatic metabolism. Clinically, this means caffeine may increase the metabolism of phenobarbital. This is classified as a minor interaction with generally low clinical significance, though your healthcare provider should still be informed that you are taking both medications.
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Acetaminophen Caffeine Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate and your doctor is considering prescribing Phenobarbital (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider