Skip to content

Drug interactions

Phenytoin + Vindesine

Severity: Moderate

Phenytoin and Vindesine: 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 may lower exposure to vinca alkaloids such as vindesine, potentially reducing efficacy. Combination chemotherapy may also reduce phenytoin levels and cause breakthrough seizures.

What this interaction means in plain words

Phenytoin and Vindesine 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.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Phenytoin induces CYP3A4 metabolism of vinca alkaloids; chemotherapy may reduce phenytoin absorption and alter its concentrations.

What to do

Monitor serum phenytoin concentrations and seizure control during chemotherapy and adjust the dose accordingly. Consider a non-inducing antiseizure drug as an alternative.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

Pro+ members

Unlock the full page

Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Phenytoin and Vindesine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.

  • Full clinical management advice
  • Additional notes
  • Evidence detail
  • Interaction checker for a whole prescription

Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Phenytoin with Vindesine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Phenytoin and Vindesine 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 may lower exposure to vinca alkaloids such as vindesine, potentially reducing efficacy. Combination chemotherapy may also reduce phenytoin levels and cause breakthrough seizures.

How serious is the interaction between Phenytoin and Vindesine?

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 serum phenytoin concentrations and seizure control during chemotherapy and adjust the dose accordingly. Consider a non-inducing antiseizure drug as an alternative.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

Browse A–Z · Drug interactions

Get the app Sign in