Skip to main content

Drug Interactions between nelfinavir and Phenytoin Sodium, Prompt

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

Edit list (add/remove drugs)

Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

phenytoin nelfinavir

Applies to: Phenytoin Sodium, Prompt (phenytoin) and nelfinavir

MONITOR: Coadministration with nelfinavir may decrease the plasma concentrations of phenytoin. The proposed mechanism is nelfinavir induction of phenytoin metabolism via CYP450 2C9. In 12 study subjects, administration of phenytoin (300 mg once daily for 14 days) in combination with nelfinavir (1250 mg twice daily for 7 days) decreased mean phenytoin peak plasma concentration (Cmax), systemic exposure (AUC) and trough plasma concentration (Cmin) by 21%, 29% and 39%, respectively, compared to administration of phenytoin alone. The pharmacokinetics of nelfinavir were not significantly altered. The interaction was suspected in a case report of a 30-year-old HIV-infected patient receiving phenobarbital 100 mg and phenytoin 300 mg per day for generalized tonic-clonic seizures who experienced a seizure recurrence in association with approximately 50% reduced phenytoin levels following initiation of nelfinavir treatment. He had been stabilized on his anticonvulsant regimen for three years, and his last known seizure was 4 years prior to this episode. The seizure was controlled with diazepam 10 mg and phenytoin 100 mg.

MANAGEMENT: The potential for reduced therapeutic effects of phenytoin should be considered during coadministration with nelfinavir. Phenytoin serum levels and pharmacologic effects should be closely monitored and the dosage adjusted accordingly, particularly following initiation or discontinuation of nelfinavir in patients who are stabilized on their anticonvulsant regimen. No dosage adjustment for nelfinavir is recommended.

References

  1. (2001) "Product Information. Dilantin (phenytoin)." Parke-Davis
  2. (2001) "Product Information. Viracept (nelfinavir)." Agouron Pharma Inc
  3. Durant J, Clevenbergh P, Garraffo R, Halfon P, Icard S, DelGiudice P, Montagne N, Schapiro JM, Dellamonica P (2000) "Importance of protease inhibitor plasma levels in HIV-infected patients treated with genotypic-guided therapy: pharmacological data from the Viradapt Study." Aids, 14, p. 1333-9
  4. Liedtke MD, Lockhart SM, Rathbun RC (2004) "Anticonvulsant and antiretroviral interactions." Ann Pharmacother, 38, p. 482-9
  5. Honda M, Yasuoka A, Aoki M, Oka S (1999) "A generalized seizure following initiation of nelfinavir in a patient with human immunodefieciency virus type 1 infection, suspected due to interaction between nelfinavir and phenytoin." Intern Med, 38, p. 302-3
View all 5 references

Switch to consumer interaction data

Drug and food interactions

Moderate

phenytoin food

Applies to: Phenytoin Sodium, Prompt (phenytoin)

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Phenytoin bioavailability may decrease to subtherapeutic levels when the suspension is given concomitantly with enteral feedings. The mechanism may be related to phenytoin binding to substances in the enteral formula (e.g., calcium, protein) and/or binding to the tube lumen. Data have been conflicting and some studies have reported no changes in phenytoin levels, while others have reported significant reductions.

MONITOR: Acute consumption of alcohol may increase plasma phenytoin levels. Chronic consumption of alcohol may decrease plasma phenytoin levels. The mechanism of this interaction is related to induction of phenytoin metabolism by ethanol during chronic administration. Other hydantoin derivatives may be similarly affected by ethanol.

MANAGEMENT: Some experts have recommended interrupting the feeding for 2 hours before and after the phenytoin dose, giving the phenytoin suspension diluted in water, and flushing the tube with water after administration; however, this method may not entirely avoid the interaction and is not always clinically feasible. Patients should be closely monitored for clinical and laboratory evidence of altered phenytoin efficacy and levels upon initiation and discontinuation of enteral feedings. Dosage adjustments or intravenous administration may be required until therapeutic serum levels are obtained. In addition, patients receiving phenytoin therapy should be warned about the interaction between phenytoin and ethanol and they should be advised to notify their physician if they experience worsening of seizure control or symptoms of toxicity, including drowsiness, visual disturbances, change in mental status, nausea, or ataxia.

References

  1. Sandor P, Sellers EM, Dumbrell M, Khouw V (1981) "Effect of short- and long-term alcohol use on phenytoin kinetics in chronic alcoholics." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 30, p. 390-7
  2. Holtz L, Milton J, Sturek JK (1987) "Compatibility of medications with enteral feedings." JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, 11, p. 183-6
  3. Sellers EM, Holloway MR (1978) "Drug kinetics and alcohol ingestion." Clin Pharmacokinet, 3, p. 440-52
  4. (2001) "Product Information. Dilantin (phenytoin)." Parke-Davis
  5. Doak KK, Haas CE, Dunnigan KJ, et al. (1998) "Bioavailability of phenytoin acid and phenytoin sodium with enteral feedings." Pharmacotherapy, 18, p. 637-45
  6. Rodman DP, Stevenson TL, Ray TR (1995) "Phenytoin malabsorption after jejunostomy tube delivery." Pharmacotherapy, 15, p. 801-5
  7. Au Yeung SC, Ensom MH (2000) "Phenytoin and enteral feedings: does evidence support an interaction?" Ann Pharmacother, 34, p. 896-905
  8. Ozuna J, Friel P (1984) "Effect of enteral tube feeding on serum phenytoin levels." J Neurosurg Nurs, 16, p. 289-91
  9. Faraji B, Yu PP (1998) "Serum phenytoin levels of patients on gastrostomy tube feeding." J Neurosci Nurs, 30, p. 55-9
  10. Marvel ME, Bertino JS (1991) "Comparative effects of an elemental and a complex enteral feeding formulation on the absorption of phenytoin suspension." JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, 15, p. 316-8
  11. Fleisher D, Sheth N, Kou JH (1990) "Phenytoin interaction with enteral feedings administered through nasogastric tubes." JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, 14, p. 513-6
  12. Haley CJ, Nelson J (1989) "Phenytoin-enteral feeding interaction." DICP, 23, p. 796-8
  13. Guidry JR, Eastwood TF, Curry SC (1989) "Phenytoin absorption in volunteers receiving selected enteral feedings." West J Med, 150, p. 659-61
  14. Krueger KA, Garnett WR, Comstock TJ, Fitzsimmons WE, Karnes HT, Pellock JM (1987) "Effect of two administration schedules of an enteral nutrient formula on phenytoin bioavailability." Epilepsia, 28, p. 706-12
  15. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  16. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
View all 16 references

Switch to consumer 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.

See also

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.

Medical Disclaimer