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Drug Interactions between phenytoin and Symbicort

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

phenytoin budesonide

Applies to: phenytoin and Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)

The following interaction applies to orally and rectally administered formulations of budesonide that are typically used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. It does not apply to budesonide that is administered via oral inhalation (for the treatment of asthma or COPD) or other routes. -- phenytoin may reduce the levels of budesonide in your intestine or bowel. Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen or your condition changes. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications, including phenytoin or budesonide, without first talking to your doctor.

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Minor

budesonide formoterol

Applies to: Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) and Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)

Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.

Drug and food interactions

Moderate

phenytoin food

Applies to: phenytoin

Phenytoin levels may decrease when the suspension is given with enteral feedings. This could lead to a loss of seizure control. You could interrupt the feeding for 2 hours before and after the phenytoin dose. Alternatively, you may give the phenytoin suspension diluted in water and flush the tube with water after administration. These would make it easier for your body to absorb the medication. However, this still may not entirely avoid the interaction and may not always be feasible. You should have your phenytoin levels checked upon starting and stopping of enteral feedings. In addition, using phenytoin together with food may alter the effects of phenytoin. Contact your doctor if you experience worsening of seizure control or symptoms of toxicity, including twitching eye movements, slurred speech, loss of balance, tremor, muscle stiffness or weakness, nausea, vomiting, feeling light-headed, fainting, and slow or shallow breathing. If your doctor does prescribe these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or special test to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Ask your doctor before making any changes to your therapy.

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Moderate

budesonide food

Applies to: Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)

You should avoid the regular consumption of large amounts of grapefruits and grapefruit juice while taking budesonide. Grapefruit can raise the levels of budesonide in your body and lead to increased side effects. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.


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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.