Drug Interactions between Exparel and phenytoin
This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:
- Exparel (bupivacaine liposome)
- phenytoin
Interactions between your drugs
phenytoin BUPivacaine liposome
Applies to: phenytoin and Exparel (bupivacaine liposome)
Consumer information for this interaction is not currently available.
MONITOR: Coadministration of local anesthetics with other oxidizing agents that can also induce methemoglobinemia such as antimalarials (e.g., chloroquine, quinine), nitrates and nitrites, sulfonamides, aminosalicylic acid, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), metoclopramide, nitrofurantoin, phenazopyridine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin may increase the risk. Additional risk factors include very young age (e.g., infants less than 6 months), cardiac or pulmonary disease, genetic predisposition, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Data surrounding the incidence of methemoglobinemia are agent-specific and, in many instances, have primarily been reported in case reports and/or in overdose situations.
MANAGEMENT: Monitoring for signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia is recommended if local anesthetics must be used with other methemoglobin-inducing agents. Signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia may occur immediately or hours after drug exposure. Patients or their caregivers should be advised to seek medical attention if they notice signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia (e.g., cyanotic skin discoloration, abnormal blood coloration, nausea, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, lethargy, fatigue, dyspnea, tachypnea, tachycardia, palpitation, anxiety, and confusion). In severe cases, patients may progress to central nervous system depression, stupor, seizures, acidosis, cardiac arrhythmias, syncope, shock, coma, and death. Methemoglobinemia should be considered if central cyanosis is unresponsive to oxygen. Calculated oxygen saturation and pulse oximetry are generally not accurate in the setting of methemoglobinemia. The diagnosis can be confirmed by an elevated methemoglobin level of at least 10% using co-oximetry. Methemoglobin concentrations greater than 10% of total hemoglobin will typically cause cyanosis, and levels over 70% are frequently fatal. However, symptom severity is not always related to methemoglobin levels. Experts suggest that treatment of methemoglobinemia varies from supplemental oxygen and symptom support to the administration of methylene blue, depending on severity of symptoms and/or the presence of G6PD deficiency. Institutional guidelines and/or individual product labeling should be consulted for further guidance.
References
- "Product Information. Marcaine HCl (bupivacaine)." Hospira Inc (2008):
- Guay J "Methemoglobinemia related to local anesthetics: a summary of 242 episodes." Anesth Analg 108 (2009): 837-45
- Skold A, Cosco DL, Klein R "Methemoglobinemia: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management." South Med J 104 (2011): 757-61
- "Product Information. Zynrelef (bupivacaine-meloxicam)." Heron Therapeutics (2021):
Drug and food interactions
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.
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
Drug Interaction Classification
Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
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. | |
No interaction information available. |
Further information
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