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Drug interactions

Istradefylline + Phenytoin

Severity: Moderate

Istradefylline 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 lower istradefylline concentrations, reducing its benefit in treating OFF episodes in Parkinson's disease. The label advises avoiding strong CYP3A4 inducers.

What this interaction means in plain words

Istradefylline 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.

Istradefylline belongs to Central Nervous System; Phenytoin belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Phenytoin induces CYP3A4, accelerating istradefylline metabolism.

What to do

Avoid the combination if possible and use a non-inducing antiseizure drug. If used together, monitor motor symptoms and OFF time.

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?

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

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Istradefylline with Phenytoin?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Istradefylline 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 lower istradefylline concentrations, reducing its benefit in treating OFF episodes in Parkinson's disease. The label advises avoiding strong CYP3A4 inducers.

How serious is the interaction between Istradefylline 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: Avoid the combination if possible and use a non-inducing antiseizure drug. If used together, monitor motor symptoms and OFF time.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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