Drug interactions
Dopamine + Fosphenytoin
Severity: Major
Dopamine and Fosphenytoin: major 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
Intravenous phenytoin and fosphenytoin given to patients receiving dopamine have been associated with severe hypotension and bradycardia. The effect may be related to cardiovascular depression from the infusion.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dopamine and Fosphenytoin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Dopamine belongs to Cardiovascular; Fosphenytoin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive cardiovascular depressant effect of IV phenytoin/fosphenytoin opposing dopamine; exact mechanism not fully established.
What to do
Avoid if possible; if used, give fosphenytoin at a slow rate with continuous blood pressure and ECG monitoring and support hemodynamics as needed.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Dopamine
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Dopamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Dopamine Contraindicated
- Dopamine + Promethazine Contraindicated
- Dopamine + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Dopamine Major
- Clomipramine + Dopamine Major
Other interactions of Fosphenytoin
- Dronedarone + Fosphenytoin Contraindicated
- Fosphenytoin + Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir Contraindicated
- Fosphenytoin + Lorlatinib Contraindicated
- Fosphenytoin + Lurasidone Contraindicated
- Fosphenytoin + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Fosphenytoin + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dopamine with Fosphenytoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dopamine and Fosphenytoin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Intravenous phenytoin and fosphenytoin given to patients receiving dopamine have been associated with severe hypotension and bradycardia. The effect may be related to cardiovascular depression from the infusion.
How serious is the interaction between Dopamine and Fosphenytoin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible; if used, give fosphenytoin at a slow rate with continuous blood pressure and ECG monitoring and support hemodynamics as needed.
What other medicines interact with Dopamine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dopamine with, for example, Dihydroergotamine intranasal, Dihydroergotamine, Promethazine. The full list is on the Dopamine page.
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