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Drug interactions

Eletriptan + Phenytoin

Severity: Moderate

Eletriptan 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 may lower eletriptan concentrations and diminish its effect in treating migraine attacks.

What this interaction means in plain words

Eletriptan 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.

Eletriptan belongs to Central Nervous System; Phenytoin belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Phenytoin induces CYP3A4, increasing eletriptan first-pass and systemic metabolism.

What to do

Monitor for reduced triptan response and consider a higher dose within labeled limits or an alternative triptan.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Eletriptan with Phenytoin?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Eletriptan 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 may lower eletriptan concentrations and diminish its effect in treating migraine attacks.

How serious is the interaction between Eletriptan 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 for reduced triptan response and consider a higher dose within labeled limits or an alternative triptan.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

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