Drug interactions
Gepirone + Phenytoin
Severity: Moderate
Gepirone 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 may reduce gepirone exposure by inducing CYP3A4, which could lead to loss of antidepressant effect. Gepirone labeling recommends avoiding strong CYP3A4 inducers.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gepirone 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.
Gepirone belongs to Central Nervous System; Phenytoin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 induction by phenytoin increases first-pass and systemic metabolism of gepirone.
What to do
Monitor depressive symptoms and consider an alternative antidepressant that is not dependent on CYP3A4. Avoid the pairing if possible.
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 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
Other interactions of Gepirone
- Clarithromycin + Gepirone Contraindicated
- Gepirone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Gepirone + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Gepirone + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Gepirone + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Gepirone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Gepirone with Phenytoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Gepirone 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 may reduce gepirone exposure by inducing CYP3A4, which could lead to loss of antidepressant effect. Gepirone labeling recommends avoiding strong CYP3A4 inducers.
How serious is the interaction between Gepirone 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 depressive symptoms and consider an alternative antidepressant that is not dependent on CYP3A4. Avoid the pairing if possible.
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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