Drug interactions
Fosphenytoin + Paclitaxel
Severity: Moderate
Fosphenytoin and Paclitaxel: 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
Fosphenytoin (phenytoin) induces CYP2C8, CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, which can lower paclitaxel exposure and possibly reduce antitumor efficacy. Paclitaxel itself may also alter phenytoin levels, which can affect seizure control.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fosphenytoin and Paclitaxel 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.
Fosphenytoin belongs to Central Nervous System; Paclitaxel belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Phenytoin induces CYP2C8/CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, increasing paclitaxel clearance.
What to do
Where possible choose a non-enzyme-inducing antiseizure drug such as levetiracetam; if continued, monitor phenytoin levels and treatment response.
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 Paclitaxel
Other interactions of Fosphenytoin
- Dronedarone + Fosphenytoin Contraindicated
- Fosphenytoin + Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir Contraindicated
- Fosphenytoin + Lorlatinib Contraindicated
- Fosphenytoin + Lurasidone Contraindicated
- Fosphenytoin + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Fosphenytoin + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fosphenytoin with Paclitaxel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fosphenytoin and Paclitaxel 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. Fosphenytoin (phenytoin) induces CYP2C8, CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, which can lower paclitaxel exposure and possibly reduce antitumor efficacy. Paclitaxel itself may also alter phenytoin levels, which can affect seizure control.
How serious is the interaction between Fosphenytoin and Paclitaxel?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Where possible choose a non-enzyme-inducing antiseizure drug such as levetiracetam; if continued, monitor phenytoin levels and treatment response.
What other medicines interact with Paclitaxel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Paclitaxel with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Cobicistat, Cyclosporin. The full list is on the Paclitaxel page.
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