PHENOBARBITAL AND PROTEASE INHIBITORS

It is likely that phenobarbital and other barbiturates will increase the metabolism of the protease inhibitors, thereby reducing their levels and possibly resulting in antiretroviral therapy failure. However, one case suggested that this may not have occurred when primidone was given with ritonavir/saquinavir, although this should be viewed with caution.
The combination of protease inhibitors and barbiturates should be used with caution. Monitor for antiviral efficacy.