Sucralfate with Phenytoin Interaction Details
Brand Names Associated with Sucralfate
- Carafate®
- Sucralfate
Brand Names Associated with Phenytoin
- Dilantin®
- Phenytek®
- Phenytoin
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Nov 25, 2023
Interaction Effect
Decreased phenytoin effectiveness
Interaction Summary
In two studies totaling 17 patients, the concurrent use of sucralfate and orally administered phenytoin reduced the bioavailability of phenytoin by 8% to 20%.
Severity
Minor
Onset
Rapid
Evidence
Probable
How To Manage Interaction
For patients taking both sucralfate and oral phenytoin, they should be counseled on the potential for decreased phenytoin effectiveness and instructed to separate their phenytoin and sucralfate doses by at least two hours.
Mechanism Of Interaction
Decreased phenytoin absorption
Literature Reports
A) Concomitant administration of sucralfate and phenytoin may result in a small reduction in the gastrointestinal absorption of phenytoin . Oral phenytoin 500 mg was given with and without sucralfate 1 gram four times a day for two days to nine healthy volunteers. Sucralfate reduced phenytoin bioavailability by less than 10%. To avoid reduced phenytoin absorption, separate doses of sucralfate and phenytoin by two or more hours.
B) In a double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover study, eight healthy male volunteers concomitantly ingested phenytoin 300 mg and either sucralfate 1 gram or placebo after an overnight fast . Phenytoin bioavailability decreased by 20% when administered with sucralfate as compared to placebo. Although not statistically significant, peak phenytoin levels were also reduced. Multiple dose studies are required to determine the significance of this interaction.
Sucralfate Overview
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Sucralfate is used to treat and prevent the return of duodenal ulcers (ulcers located in first part of the small intestine). Treatment with other medications, such as antibiotics, may also be necessary to treat and prevent the return of ulcers caused by a certain type of bacteria (H. pylori) Sucralfate is in a class of medications called protectants. It sticks to damaged ulcer tissue and protects against acid and enzymes so healing can occur.
Phenytoin Overview
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Phenytoin is used to control certain type of seizures, and to treat and prevent seizures that may begin during or after surgery to the brain or nervous system. Phenytoin is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
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Definitions
Severity Categories
Contraindicated
These drugs, generally, should not be used together simultaneously due to the high risk of severe adverse effects. Combining these medications can lead to dangerous health outcomes and should be strictly avoided unless otherwise instructed by your provider.
Major
This interaction could result in very serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. If you are taking this drug combination, it is very important to be under close medical supervision to minimize severe side effects and ensure your safety. It may be necessary to change a medication or dosage to prevent harm.
Moderate
This interaction has the potential to worsen your medical condition or alter the effectiveness of your treatment. It's important that you are monitored closely and you potentially may need to make adjustments in your treatment plan or drug dosage to maintain optimal health.
Minor
While this interaction is unlikely to cause significant problems, it could intensify side effects or reduce the effectiveness of one or both medications. Monitoring for changes in symptoms and your condition is recommended, and adjustments may be made if needed to manage any increased or more pronounced side effects.
Onset
Rapid: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs within 24 hours of co-administration.
Delayed: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs more than 24 hours after co-administration.
Evidence
Level of documentation of the interaction.
Established: The interaction is documented and substantiated in peer-reviewed medical literature.
Theoretical: This interaction is not fully supported by current medical evidence or well-documented sources, but it is based on known drug mechanisms, drug effects, and other relevant information.
How To Manage The Interaction
Provides a detailed discussion on how patients and clinicians can approach the identified drug interaction as well as offers guidance on what to expect and strategies to potentially mitigate the effects of the interaction. This may include recommendations on adjusting medication dosages, altering the timing of drug administration, or closely monitoring for specific symptoms.
It's important to note that all medical situations are unique, and management approaches should be tailored to individual circumstances. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance on managing drug interactions effectively.
Mechanism Of Interaction
The theorized or clinically determined reason (i.e., mechanism) why the drug-drug interaction occurs.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific circumstances and medical conditions.
Where Does Our Information Come From?
Information for our drug interactions is compiled from several drug compendia, including:
The prescribing information for each drug, as published on DailyMED, is also used.
Individual drug-drug interaction detail pages contain references specific to that interaction. You can click on the reference number within brackets '[]' to see what reference was utilized.
The information posted is fact-checked by HelloPharmacist clinicians and reviewed quarterly.