Drug interactions
Aminolevulinic acid + Phenytoin
Severity: Minor
Aminolevulinic acid and Phenytoin: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin might reduce accumulation of protoporphyrin IX in cells, the photosensitizing metabolite of aminolevulinic acid. This could lessen the photodynamic or fluorescence-guided imaging effect. The finding comes from in vitro data.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aminolevulinic acid and Phenytoin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Aminolevulinic acid belongs to Miscellaneous; Phenytoin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Proposed reduction of cellular protoporphyrin IX accumulation, based on in vitro observations; the mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Be aware that visualization or therapeutic effect may be diminished in patients on phenytoin, and interpret fluorescence findings accordingly. Do not interrupt anticonvulsant therapy for this reason.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Aminolevulinic acid
- Acitretin + Aminolevulinic acid Major
- Aminolevulinic acid + Doxycycline Major
- Aminolevulinic acid + Isotretinoin Major
- Aminolevulinic acid + Amiodarone Moderate
- Aminolevulinic acid + Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan Moderate
- Aminolevulinic acid + Amlodipine-olmesartan-hydrochlorothiazide Moderate
Other interactions of Phenytoin
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Phenytoin Contraindicated
- Bictegravir + Phenytoin Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Phenytoin Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Phenytoin Contraindicated
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Phenytoin Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Phenytoin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Aminolevulinic acid with Phenytoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Aminolevulinic acid and Phenytoin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin might reduce accumulation of protoporphyrin IX in cells, the photosensitizing metabolite of aminolevulinic acid. This could lessen the photodynamic or fluorescence-guided imaging effect. The finding comes from in vitro data.
How serious is the interaction between Aminolevulinic acid and Phenytoin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Be aware that visualization or therapeutic effect may be diminished in patients on phenytoin, and interpret fluorescence findings accordingly. Do not interrupt anticonvulsant therapy for this reason.
What other medicines interact with Aminolevulinic acid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Aminolevulinic acid with, for example, Acitretin, Doxycycline, Isotretinoin. The full list is on the Aminolevulinic acid page.
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