Drug interactions
Colchicine + Phenytoin
Severity: Moderate
Colchicine 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 induces CYP3A4 and P-gp, which may lower colchicine levels and reduce its effect. Loss of efficacy is the main concern, and reports are limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Colchicine 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.
Colchicine belongs to Genitourinary; Phenytoin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein by phenytoin increases colchicine clearance.
What to do
Monitor colchicine response and increase the dose if needed. Reassess the dose if phenytoin is withdrawn.
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 Colchicine
- Clarithromycin + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Cyclosporine Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Ensitrelvir Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Nirmatrelvir Contraindicated
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 Colchicine with Phenytoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Colchicine 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 induces CYP3A4 and P-gp, which may lower colchicine levels and reduce its effect. Loss of efficacy is the main concern, and reports are limited.
How serious is the interaction between Colchicine 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 colchicine response and increase the dose if needed. Reassess the dose if phenytoin is withdrawn.
What other medicines interact with Colchicine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Colchicine with, for example, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat, Cyclosporine. The full list is on the Colchicine page.
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