Interactions With Phenytoin Explained
The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when
phenytoin is combined with any of the drugs listed above.
Alcohol
Alcohol can interfere with the way your body handles phenytoin. Chronic alcohol intake can decrease the level of phenytoin in your blood, while short-term intake of a large amount of alcohol can increase the level of phenytoin in your blood. Be sure to discuss your drinking habits with your healthcare provider
(see Dilantin and Alcohol for more information).
Amiodarone (Cordarone)
Amiodarone can increase the amount of phenytoin in your blood, increasing your risk of side effects. Your healthcare provider may need to measure the level of phenytoin in your blood and adjust your dose as necessary.
Carbamazepine (Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR)
Carbamazepine can decrease the amount of phenytoin in your blood, perhaps making it less effective. If you are taking these drugs together, your healthcare provider may need to measure your phenytoin level (using a blood test) and adjust your dose as necessary.
Calcium-Containing Products
Calcium can interfere with the absorption of phenytoin into your bloodstream. Try not to take phenytoin and calcium products at the same time of the day.
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Librax, Limbitrol)
Chlordiazepoxide can raise the level of phenytoin in your blood, increasing your risk of side effects. Your healthcare provider may need to measure the level of phenytoin in your blood and adjust your dose as necessary.
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Cimetidine can raise the amount of phenytoin in your blood, increasing your risk of side effects. Your healthcare provider may need to measure the level of phenytoin in your blood and adjust your dose as necessary.
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