Drug interactions
Esketamine intranasal + Phenytoin
Severity: Minor
Esketamine intranasal and Phenytoin: minor 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
Esketamine causes sedation and dissociation, and phenytoin has CNS depressant effects, especially at higher concentrations. Combined use may increase drowsiness and psychomotor impairment. The clinical effect is generally modest and manageable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Esketamine intranasal and Phenytoin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depressant effects; no pharmacokinetic mechanism is established.
What to do
Observe patients for excess sedation during and after esketamine sessions, following standard post-dose monitoring. Advise patients not to drive until the next day.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Esketamine intranasal with Phenytoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Esketamine intranasal and Phenytoin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Esketamine causes sedation and dissociation, and phenytoin has CNS depressant effects, especially at higher concentrations. Combined use may increase drowsiness and psychomotor impairment. The clinical effect is generally modest and manageable.
How serious is the interaction between Esketamine intranasal and Phenytoin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Observe patients for excess sedation during and after esketamine sessions, following standard post-dose monitoring. Advise patients not to drive until the next day.
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.
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