Drug interactions
Cevimeline + Phenytoin
Severity: Minor
Cevimeline 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
Phenytoin is an inducer of CYP3A4, one of the enzymes that metabolizes cevimeline. Concurrent use may lower cevimeline exposure and reduce its effect on dry mouth symptoms. The clinical impact is likely small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cevimeline 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.
Cevimeline belongs to Miscellaneous; Phenytoin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Phenytoin induces CYP3A4, increasing the metabolic clearance of cevimeline.
What to do
Monitor for reduced saliva-stimulating effect of cevimeline and adjust the dose according to response if symptoms worsen after phenytoin is started.
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 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 Cevimeline
- Amitriptyline + Cevimeline Moderate
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Cevimeline Moderate
- Atenolol + Cevimeline Moderate
- Atropine + Cevimeline Moderate
- Betaxolol + Cevimeline Moderate
- Bethanechol + Cevimeline Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cevimeline with Phenytoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cevimeline 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. Phenytoin is an inducer of CYP3A4, one of the enzymes that metabolizes cevimeline. Concurrent use may lower cevimeline exposure and reduce its effect on dry mouth symptoms. The clinical impact is likely small.
How serious is the interaction between Cevimeline 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: Monitor for reduced saliva-stimulating effect of cevimeline and adjust the dose according to response if symptoms worsen after phenytoin is started.
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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