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Drug interactions

Fosphenytoin + Posaconazole

Severity: Major

Fosphenytoin and Posaconazole: major interaction.

Last updated Sources: US FDA label

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, the active product of fosphenytoin, lowers posaconazole concentrations and may lead to antifungal treatment failure. Posaconazole may in turn raise phenytoin levels, increasing the risk of phenytoin toxicity.

What this interaction means in plain words

Fosphenytoin and Posaconazole can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.

Fosphenytoin belongs to Central Nervous System; Posaconazole belongs to Anti Fungals.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

Phenytoin induces UGT-mediated glucuronidation and P-gp efflux of posaconazole, while posaconazole may inhibit CYP-mediated phenytoin metabolism.

What to do

Avoid the combination unless the benefit outweighs the risk. If used, monitor posaconazole trough concentrations and phenytoin levels with dose adjustment.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
  • Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
  • What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?

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

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References

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Fosphenytoin with Posaconazole?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fosphenytoin and Posaconazole can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Phenytoin, the active product of fosphenytoin, lowers posaconazole concentrations and may lead to antifungal treatment failure. Posaconazole may in turn raise phenytoin levels, increasing the risk of phenytoin toxicity.

How serious is the interaction between Fosphenytoin and Posaconazole?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination unless the benefit outweighs the risk. If used, monitor posaconazole trough concentrations and phenytoin levels with dose adjustment.

What other medicines interact with Posaconazole?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Posaconazole with, for example, Artemether, Avanafil, Cobimetinib. The full list is on the Posaconazole page.

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