dilantin and demerol interaction

[easymoon]

does anyone out there have any experience with these two drugs interacting with each other causing the death of a patient

Sara Patrick

[mpvt]

Demerol is well known to cause siezures and I would think any doctor that knew a patient was on dilantin wouldn't give or prescribe meperidine(demerol).....Dave

[zippysgoddess]

LOL! That is too funny, in a weird sort of way, I know Dave is right, but I tried the interaction checker anyway, just to see if it would provide anymore details, well it says they are okay to use together, even if you are epileptic. The only warning that comes up is this:

"MEPERIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE (in Demerol Oral) may interact with PHENYTOIN (in Dilantin)

Phenytoin may increase the breakdown of meperidine in the body. This can result in a reduction of meperidine's effectiveness in controlling pain. Phenytoin may also increase the risk of side effects from meperidine including drowsiness, agitation, and possibly seizures. If these medications are used together, your doctor should monitor your response to meperidine and consider using an alternative pain reliever if needed. You may want to ask your healthcare provider about this potential interaction if you think you are having problems.

This interaction is poorly documented and is considered minor in severity."

However, if the same doc has prescribed both, so they are aware of what you are taking, and you aren't taking something you buy off the street that they don't know about, or you aren't seeing and getting the scrips from different docs who don't know what else you are on, you should be find and if they said to use them both then you should do so.

Sometimes in medicine, your doc has to weigh the risks against the benefits when prescribing certain meds or treatments. So that might be what your doc felt was the safest combination for you to use, even though it can carry some risks and side effects. As long as you know your own body well, so you can tell if you are experiencing a dangerous reaction or the occurence of seizures becomes more frequent and dangerous, then you should be alright. Just contact them immediately if you have an adverse reaction, and keep all follow up appointments so they can monitor you appropriately.


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My information is not guaranteed correct. I do not get them right all the time, but I do enjoy the hunt~