Folic Acid and Secobarbital: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Secobarbital
No brand names on recordFolic Acid
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
Reduced folic acid exposure, reduced barbiturates exposure and reduced efficacy of barbiturate
Interaction Deep Dive
The concomitant use of folic acid and a barbiturate may result in reduced folic acid or barbiturate blood levels. Although no studies have been conducted, concomitant use of folic acid and barbiturates may reduce folate absorption, thereby reducing the amount of active folate available. In an uncontrolled study, administration of oral folic acid and phenobarbital caused an increased incidence of seizures in some epileptic patients1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Reduced folate absorption; increased barbiturate metabolism
Literature reports
1 report — tap to read
a) Although no studies have been conducted, concomitant use of folic acid and barbiturates may reduce folate absorption, thereby reducing the amount of active folate available. In an uncontrolled study, administration of oral folic acid and phenobarbital caused an increased incidence of seizures in some epileptic patients 1.
Common questions
Can I take Folic Acid and Secobarbital together?
Reduced folic acid exposure, reduced barbiturates exposure and reduced efficacy of barbiturate Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Folic Acid and Secobarbital interaction?
It is rated moderate. Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Folic Acid or Secobarbital need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there anything you'd monitor while I'm on both?
References (1)
- Product Information: folic acid oral tablets, folic acid oral tablets. Trimarc Laboratories, Oklahoma City, OK, 2006. DailyMed
Keep reading about Secobarbital
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