Hydantoins/Selected Anticoagulants (Vitamin K antagonists) Interactions
This information is generalized and not intended as specific medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional before taking or discontinuing any drug or commencing any course of treatment.
Medical warning:
Serious. These medicines may interact and cause very harmful effects. Contact your healthcare professional (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) for more information.
How the interaction occurs:
The cause of the interaction is not known. When these two medicines are taken together, the hydantoin (e.g. phenytoin) may increase or decrease the effects of the blood-thinner. The blood-thinner may also increase the level of the hydantoin.
What might happen:
You may experience an increased chance for bleeding, including bleeding from your gums, nosebleeds, unusual bruising, or dark stools, or an increased chance for clotting.Your blood level of hydantoin may increase and cause side effects such as blurred vision, unsteadiness, nausea, confusion, and possibly other side effects.
What you should do about this interaction:
Ask your healthcare professionals (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) about taking these medicines together. If your doctor prescribes these medicines together, you may need to have your bleeding times and your blood levels of your anticonvulsant checked more often, especially when first starting to take them together. If you have any signs of bleeding (such as bleeding from your gums, nosebleeds, unusual bruising, or dark stools) or if you have blurred vision, unsteadiness, nausea, or confusion, contact your doctor right away.Your healthcare professionals may already be aware of this interaction and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.