Drug interactions
Paclitaxel + Phenytoin
Severity: Moderate
Paclitaxel 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 can lower paclitaxel exposure and may reduce its efficacy. Chemotherapy may also alter phenytoin levels, leading to loss of seizure control.
What this interaction means in plain words
Paclitaxel 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.
Paclitaxel belongs to Oncology; Phenytoin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Phenytoin induces CYP2C8, CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, increasing paclitaxel clearance.
What to do
Prefer a non-enzyme-inducing antiseizure drug. If phenytoin is continued, monitor its levels and the clinical response to paclitaxel.
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 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
Other interactions of Paclitaxel
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Paclitaxel with Phenytoin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Paclitaxel 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 can lower paclitaxel exposure and may reduce its efficacy. Chemotherapy may also alter phenytoin levels, leading to loss of seizure control.
How serious is the interaction between Paclitaxel 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: Prefer a non-enzyme-inducing antiseizure drug. If phenytoin is continued, monitor its levels and the clinical response to paclitaxel.
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.
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