Drug interactions
Phenytoin + Pioglitazone
Severity: Minor
Phenytoin and Pioglitazone: minor 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 lower pioglitazone exposure through enzyme induction, potentially weakening glycemic control. The effect is likely modest.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenytoin and Pioglitazone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Phenytoin belongs to Central Nervous System; Pioglitazone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Phenytoin induces CYP2C8 and CYP3A4, which metabolize pioglitazone.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose and HbA1c after phenytoin is started or stopped. Adjust the pioglitazone dose if control worsens.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Pioglitazone
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Phenytoin with Pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Phenytoin and Pioglitazone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Phenytoin may lower pioglitazone exposure through enzyme induction, potentially weakening glycemic control. The effect is likely modest.
How serious is the interaction between Phenytoin and Pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose and HbA1c after phenytoin is started or stopped. Adjust the pioglitazone dose if control worsens.
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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