Drug interactions
Eszopiclone + Phenytoin
Severity: Moderate
Eszopiclone 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 induces CYP3A4 and may lower eszopiclone exposure, potentially reducing its hypnotic effect. Both agents can also cause sedation and dizziness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Eszopiclone 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.
Eszopiclone belongs to Central Nervous System; Phenytoin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Phenytoin induces CYP3A4, increasing the metabolic clearance of eszopiclone.
What to do
Monitor for reduced hypnotic efficacy and adjust the eszopiclone dose within labeled limits if needed. Consider an alternative hypnotic if insomnia persists.
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 Eszopiclone
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 Eszopiclone with Phenytoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Eszopiclone 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 induces CYP3A4 and may lower eszopiclone exposure, potentially reducing its hypnotic effect. Both agents can also cause sedation and dizziness.
How serious is the interaction between Eszopiclone 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 hypnotic efficacy and adjust the eszopiclone dose within labeled limits if needed. Consider an alternative hypnotic if insomnia persists.
What other medicines interact with Eszopiclone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Eszopiclone with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Eszopiclone page.
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