Drug interactions
Ethotoin + Vitamin B6
Severity: Moderate
Ethotoin and Vitamin B6: 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
High-dose pyridoxine lowers serum levels of some hydantoin anticonvulsants such as phenytoin, and a similar effect is possible with ethotoin. Reduced levels could lead to loss of seizure control.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethotoin and Vitamin B6 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.
Why it happens
High-dose pyridoxine is thought to enhance hepatic metabolism of hydantoins; evidence is extrapolated from phenytoin.
What to do
Avoid high-dose pyridoxine supplements in patients on ethotoin unless needed. If used, monitor seizure control and ethotoin response, and adjust dose accordingly.
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 Vitamin B6
- Fosphenytoin + Vitamin B6 Moderate
- Isoniazid + Vitamin B6 Moderate
- Levodopa + Vitamin B6 Moderate
- Penicillamine + Vitamin B6 Moderate
- Phenobarbital + Vitamin B6 Moderate
- Phenytoin + Vitamin B6 Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethotoin with Vitamin B6?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethotoin and Vitamin B6 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. High-dose pyridoxine lowers serum levels of some hydantoin anticonvulsants such as phenytoin, and a similar effect is possible with ethotoin. Reduced levels could lead to loss of seizure control.
How serious is the interaction between Ethotoin and Vitamin B6?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid high-dose pyridoxine supplements in patients on ethotoin unless needed. If used, monitor seizure control and ethotoin response, and adjust dose accordingly.
What other medicines interact with Vitamin B6?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Vitamin B6 with, for example, Fosphenytoin, Isoniazid, Levodopa. The full list is on the Vitamin B6 page.
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