Drug interactions
Methohexital + Phenytoin
Severity: Moderate
Methohexital 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
Chronic phenytoin use can reduce the effect of methohexital, so higher doses may be needed for induction. Methohexital may also alter phenytoin levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methohexital 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.
Methohexital belongs to Central Nervous System; Phenytoin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Hepatic enzyme induction by phenytoin increases barbiturate metabolism.
What to do
Titrate methohexital to clinical effect and monitor anesthetic depth. Check phenytoin levels if needed afterward.
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 Methohexital
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 Methohexital with Phenytoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Methohexital 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. Chronic phenytoin use can reduce the effect of methohexital, so higher doses may be needed for induction. Methohexital may also alter phenytoin levels.
How serious is the interaction between Methohexital 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: Titrate methohexital to clinical effect and monitor anesthetic depth. Check phenytoin levels if needed afterward.
What other medicines interact with Methohexital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methohexital with, for example, Alprazolam, Amobarbital, Buprenorphine. The full list is on the Methohexital page.
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