Drug interactions
Phenytoin + Sage
Severity: Minor
Phenytoin and Sage: 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
Some sage species contain thujone, which has convulsant properties and could theoretically reduce seizure control in people with epilepsy. Evidence is limited to theoretical concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenytoin and Sage have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Thujone-containing sage may lower the seizure threshold, opposing the anticonvulsant effect of phenytoin.
What to do
Advise patients with epilepsy to avoid medicinal doses or essential oil of thujone-containing sage and report any increase in seizures.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Phenytoin with Sage?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Phenytoin and Sage have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Some sage species contain thujone, which has convulsant properties and could theoretically reduce seizure control in people with epilepsy. Evidence is limited to theoretical concern.
How serious is the interaction between Phenytoin and Sage?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients with epilepsy to avoid medicinal doses or essential oil of thujone-containing sage and report any increase in seizures.
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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