Drug interactions
Carboplatin + Phenytoin
Severity: Moderate
Carboplatin 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 levels may fall during platinum-based chemotherapy, with potential loss of seizure control. Reports are limited and the effect is inconsistent.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carboplatin 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.
Carboplatin belongs to Oncology; Phenytoin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Mechanism not established; reduced absorption or altered clearance during chemotherapy has been suggested.
What to do
Monitor serum phenytoin concentrations and seizure control during and after chemotherapy, adjusting the dose as needed.
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 Carboplatin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carboplatin with Phenytoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Carboplatin 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 levels may fall during platinum-based chemotherapy, with potential loss of seizure control. Reports are limited and the effect is inconsistent.
How serious is the interaction between Carboplatin 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 serum phenytoin concentrations and seizure control during and after chemotherapy, adjusting the dose as needed.
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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