Drug interactions
Dopamine + Phenytoin
Severity: Major
Dopamine and Phenytoin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 can cause hypotension and bradyarrhythmias, and reports describe severe hypotension when it is given to patients on dopamine. This may undermine hemodynamic support in critically ill patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dopamine and Phenytoin 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; Phenytoin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive cardiovascular depression from phenytoin, opposing dopamine's pressor effect; mechanism not fully defined.
What to do
If IV phenytoin is needed, infuse slowly or consider fosphenytoin or another anticonvulsant, with continuous blood pressure and ECG monitoring.
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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References
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 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 Dopamine with Phenytoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dopamine and Phenytoin 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 can cause hypotension and bradyarrhythmias, and reports describe severe hypotension when it is given to patients on dopamine. This may undermine hemodynamic support in critically ill patients.
How serious is the interaction between Dopamine and Phenytoin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: If IV phenytoin is needed, infuse slowly or consider fosphenytoin or another anticonvulsant, with continuous blood pressure and ECG monitoring.
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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