Drug interactions
Metoclopramide + Phenytoin
Severity: Moderate
Metoclopramide 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
Both drugs can cause CNS effects, and metoclopramide may lower seizure threshold in epilepsy patients. Case-level reports suggest altered phenytoin levels with metoclopramide, though the data are limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Metoclopramide 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.
Metoclopramide belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Phenytoin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Possible altered phenytoin absorption from changed gastric emptying and additive CNS effects; not well established.
What to do
Monitor seizure control and consider checking phenytoin concentrations if therapy is started or stopped. Watch for sedation and movement disorders.
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 Metoclopramide
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 Metoclopramide with Phenytoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Metoclopramide 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. Both drugs can cause CNS effects, and metoclopramide may lower seizure threshold in epilepsy patients. Case-level reports suggest altered phenytoin levels with metoclopramide, though the data are limited.
How serious is the interaction between Metoclopramide 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 seizure control and consider checking phenytoin concentrations if therapy is started or stopped. Watch for sedation and movement disorders.
What other medicines interact with Metoclopramide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metoclopramide with, for example, Amantadine, Amoxapine, Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol). The full list is on the Metoclopramide page.
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