Drug interactions
Nicardipine + Phenytoin
Severity: Moderate
Nicardipine 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 induces CYP3A4 and can substantially reduce nicardipine concentrations, weakening antihypertensive effect. Nicardipine may also raise phenytoin levels in some reports.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nicardipine 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.
Nicardipine belongs to Cardiovascular; Phenytoin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Phenytoin induces CYP3A4, accelerating nicardipine metabolism.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and titrate nicardipine upward if needed. Check phenytoin levels and watch for toxicity such as nystagmus or ataxia.
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 Nicardipine
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 Nicardipine with Phenytoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Nicardipine 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 induces CYP3A4 and can substantially reduce nicardipine concentrations, weakening antihypertensive effect. Nicardipine may also raise phenytoin levels in some reports.
How serious is the interaction between Nicardipine 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 blood pressure and titrate nicardipine upward if needed. Check phenytoin levels and watch for toxicity such as nystagmus or ataxia.
What other medicines interact with Nicardipine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nicardipine with, for example, Amifostine, Amlodipine-olmesartan-hydrochlorothiazide, Betrixaban. The full list is on the Nicardipine page.
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