Drug interactions
Docetaxel + Primidone
Severity: Moderate
Docetaxel and Primidone: 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
Primidone is metabolized to phenobarbital, a CYP3A4 inducer, and may lower docetaxel exposure. Enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants have been shown to increase clearance of taxanes, risking reduced efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Docetaxel and Primidone 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.
Docetaxel belongs to Oncology; Primidone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Primidone and its metabolite phenobarbital induce CYP3A4, increasing docetaxel clearance.
What to do
Switch to a non-enzyme-inducing anticonvulsant such as levetiracetam where feasible. If not possible, monitor tumor response and consider docetaxel dose adjustment under oncology guidance.
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 Docetaxel
Other interactions of Primidone
- Lorlatinib + Primidone Contraindicated
- Lurasidone + Primidone Contraindicated
- Primidone + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Primidone + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir Contraindicated
- Primidone + Voriconazole Contraindicated
- Abiraterone + Primidone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Docetaxel with Primidone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Docetaxel and Primidone 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. Primidone is metabolized to phenobarbital, a CYP3A4 inducer, and may lower docetaxel exposure. Enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants have been shown to increase clearance of taxanes, risking reduced efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Docetaxel and Primidone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Switch to a non-enzyme-inducing anticonvulsant such as levetiracetam where feasible. If not possible, monitor tumor response and consider docetaxel dose adjustment under oncology guidance.
What other medicines interact with Docetaxel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Docetaxel with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Atazanavir, Belatacept. The full list is on the Docetaxel page.
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