Skip to main content

Drug Interactions between Di-Phen and Gleevec

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

Edit list (add/remove drugs)

Interactions between your drugs

Major

phenytoin imatinib

Applies to: Di-Phen (phenytoin) and Gleevec (imatinib)

Using imatinib together with phenytoin can alter the blood levels and effects of both medications. Specifically, imatinib levels may decrease, which may make the medication less effective in treating your cancer. At the same time, phenytoin levels may increase and potentially cause increased side effects and toxicities. 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. Contact your doctor if you experience nausea, vomiting, twitching eye movements, blurred vision, slurred speech, loss of balance or coordination, tremors, sluggishness, confusion, or hallucinations, as these may be symptoms of excessive effects of phenytoin. 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.

Switch to professional interaction data

Drug and food interactions

Moderate

phenytoin food

Applies to: Di-Phen (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.

Switch to professional interaction data

Moderate

imatinib food

Applies to: Gleevec (imatinib)

Grapefruit juice may increase the blood levels of certain medications such as imatinib. You should avoid consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with imatinib. However, if you have been regularly consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice with the medication, then it is advisable for you to talk with your doctor before changing the amounts of these products in your diet, as this may alter the effects of your medication. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects. Orange juice is not expected to interact.

Switch to professional interaction data

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.


Report options

Loading...
QR code containing a link to this page

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.