Drug interactions
Liposomal doxorubicin + Phenytoin
Severity: Moderate
Liposomal doxorubicin 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 induce enzymes and lower doxorubicin exposure. Doxorubicin-containing chemotherapy regimens have also been associated with reduced phenytoin concentrations, which can cause loss of seizure control.
What this interaction means in plain words
Liposomal doxorubicin 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.
Liposomal doxorubicin belongs to Oncology; Phenytoin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Phenytoin induces CYP3A4 and other enzymes, and cytotoxic chemotherapy may reduce phenytoin absorption or alter its disposition.
What to do
Monitor serum phenytoin concentrations (free levels if albumin is low) and seizure control during and after chemotherapy cycles, adjusting the dose as needed. Consider a non-enzyme-inducing anticonvulsant.
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 Liposomal doxorubicin
- Dengue vaccine + Liposomal doxorubicin Contraindicated
- Belatacept + Liposomal doxorubicin Major
- Cyclosporine + Liposomal doxorubicin Major
- Dronedarone + Liposomal doxorubicin Major
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Liposomal doxorubicin Major
- Fingolimod + Liposomal doxorubicin Major
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Liposomal doxorubicin with Phenytoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Liposomal doxorubicin 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 induce enzymes and lower doxorubicin exposure. Doxorubicin-containing chemotherapy regimens have also been associated with reduced phenytoin concentrations, which can cause loss of seizure control.
How serious is the interaction between Liposomal doxorubicin 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 serum phenytoin concentrations (free levels if albumin is low) and seizure control during and after chemotherapy cycles, adjusting the dose as needed. Consider a non-enzyme-inducing anticonvulsant.
What other medicines interact with Liposomal doxorubicin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Liposomal doxorubicin with, for example, Dengue vaccine, Belatacept, Cyclosporine. The full list is on the Liposomal doxorubicin page.
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