Does Doxycycline Interact with Phenobarbital Sodium?
CDI records a major classification for Doxycycline and Phenobarbital Sodium. The stored summary is: Phenobarbital shortens the half-life of doxycycline for up to 2 weeks after discontinuation; clinical response should be monitored closely. The mechanism involves induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes that metabolize the antibiotic. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This record was extracted from drug labeling through openFDA. NIH/NLM RxNorm is used for drug identities. The summary and severity classification are CDI's processed information, not a verbatim source quotation. Product, route, and patient circumstances matter.
- Severity
- Major
- Doxycycline Class
- Tetracycline-class Drug
- Management
- Close medical supervision required
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
Recorded Mechanism
Induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes that metabolize the antibiotic
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Doxycycline and your doctor is considering prescribing Phenobarbital Sodium (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
- Ask how frequently you should be monitored while these are co-prescribed
- Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider