Drug interactions
Phenytoin + Vinorelbine
Severity: Moderate
Phenytoin and Vinorelbine: 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 concentrations may fall during vinorelbine-containing chemotherapy, risking loss of seizure control. Phenytoin may also lower vinorelbine exposure through induction.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenytoin and Vinorelbine 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 belongs to Central Nervous System; Vinorelbine belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Reduced phenytoin absorption during chemotherapy, and phenytoin induction of CYP3A4 increasing vinorelbine metabolism.
What to do
Monitor phenytoin levels and seizure control during treatment. Prefer a non-inducing antiseizure drug.
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 Vinorelbine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Phenytoin with Vinorelbine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Phenytoin and Vinorelbine 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 concentrations may fall during vinorelbine-containing chemotherapy, risking loss of seizure control. Phenytoin may also lower vinorelbine exposure through induction.
How serious is the interaction between Phenytoin and Vinorelbine?
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 phenytoin levels and seizure control during treatment. Prefer a non-inducing antiseizure drug.
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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