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Drug interactions

Lonafarnib + Phenytoin

Severity: Contraindicated

Lonafarnib and Phenytoin: contraindicated 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 greatly decrease lonafarnib concentrations and reduce its therapeutic benefit.

What this interaction means in plain words

Lonafarnib and Phenytoin are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.

Lonafarnib belongs to Miscellaneous; Phenytoin belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Phenytoin induces CYP3A4, the main pathway for lonafarnib, a sensitive substrate.

What to do

Avoid the combination and switch to a non-inducing antiepileptic.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
  • If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
  • Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?

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 Lonafarnib with Phenytoin?

MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Lonafarnib and Phenytoin are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Phenytoin may greatly decrease lonafarnib concentrations and reduce its therapeutic benefit.

How serious is the interaction between Lonafarnib and Phenytoin?

MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination and switch to a non-inducing antiepileptic.

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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