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Drug Interactions between Buprenex and phenytoin

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

phenytoin buprenorphine

Applies to: phenytoin and Buprenex (buprenorphine)

Due to their effects on the central nervous system, using buprenorphine together with phenytoin may occasionally lead to serious side effects such as respiratory distress, coma, or even death. In addition, phenytoin may reduce the blood levels of buprenorphine, which may make the medication less effective. If you have been receiving treatment with buprenorphine, adding phenytoin may also cause you to experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, yawning, excessive sweating, goose bumps, fever, chills, flushing, restlessness, irritability, anxiety, depression, pupil dilation, tremor, rapid heart beat, body aches, involuntary twitching and kicking, abdominal cramping, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Make sure you take these medications exactly as prescribed to you, and avoid drinking alcohol during treatment. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Drug and food interactions

Major

buprenorphine food

Applies to: Buprenex (buprenorphine)

Using buprenorphine together with other medications that also cause central nervous system depression can lead to serious side effects such as respiratory distress, coma, and even death. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. 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. Do not drink alcohol or self-medicate with these medications without your doctor's approval, and do not exceed the doses or frequency and duration of use prescribed by your doctor. Also, you should avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how these medications affect you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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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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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.

See also

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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.

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