Drug interactions
Bexarotene + Phenytoin
Severity: Moderate
Bexarotene and Phenytoin: moderate 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
Phenytoin is a strong inducer of CYP3A4 and may lower bexarotene plasma exposure. Reduced exposure could weaken the antineoplastic effect of bexarotene in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bexarotene and Phenytoin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Bexarotene belongs to Oncology; Phenytoin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Phenytoin induces CYP3A4, which increases the metabolic clearance of bexarotene.
What to do
Monitor for loss of response to bexarotene and consider a non-inducing anticonvulsant where feasible. Adjust bexarotene dose according to clinical response and tolerability.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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
Other interactions of Bexarotene
- Bexarotene + Gemfibrozil Major
- Bexarotene + Lorlatinib Major
- Alogliptin-pioglitazone + Bexarotene Moderate
- Amobarbital + Bexarotene Moderate
- Aprepitant + Bexarotene Moderate
- Axitinib + Bexarotene Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bexarotene with Phenytoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bexarotene and Phenytoin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Phenytoin is a strong inducer of CYP3A4 and may lower bexarotene plasma exposure. Reduced exposure could weaken the antineoplastic effect of bexarotene in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
How serious is the interaction between Bexarotene and Phenytoin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for loss of response to bexarotene and consider a non-inducing anticonvulsant where feasible. Adjust bexarotene dose according to clinical response and tolerability.
What other medicines interact with Phenytoin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Phenytoin with, for example, Artemether / lumefantrine, Bictegravir, Cabotegravir. The full list is on the Phenytoin page.
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