Interactions between antiepileptic and chemotherapeutic drugs.

Article Details

Citation

Vecht CJ, Wagner GL, Wilms EB

Interactions between antiepileptic and chemotherapeutic drugs.

Lancet Neurol. 2003 Jul;2(7):404-9.

PubMed ID
12849118 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

Cancer and epilepsy commonly co-occur, and concomitant administration of antiepileptic (AEDS) and chemotherapeutic drugs (CTDs) is necessary in many cases. Many drugs are metabolised by the hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzyme system, and coadministration of AEDs and CTDs can lead to clinically relevant interactions by induction or inhibition of enzymes in shared metabolic pathways. These interactions can cause insufficient tumour and seizure control or lead to unforeseen toxicity. Enzyme-inducing AEDs reduce the effects of taxanes, vinca alkaloids, methotrexate, teniposide, and camptothecin analogues. Inhibition of the metabolism of nitrosoureas or etoposide by valproic acid can lead to CTD toxicity. Poor seizure control may result from the combinations of phenytoin with cisplatin or corticosteroids, and valproic acid with methotrexate. Increased toxicity of AEDs can occur when phenytoin is combined with 5-fluorouracil. Use of enzyme-inducing AEDs should be avoided in patients with cancer, particularly in association with chemotherapy. Generally, valproic acid-although not free from interactions-would be the agent of first choice. Some of the newer AEDs not metabolised by the P450 system may prove to be good alternatives.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Enzymes
DrugEnzymeKindOrganismPharmacological ActionActions
MethotrexateCytochrome P450 3A4ProteinHumans
No
Substrate
Details
Drug Interactions
DrugsInteraction
Fosphenytoin
Methotrexate
The serum concentration of Fosphenytoin can be decreased when it is combined with Methotrexate.
Fosphenytoin
Vindesine
The serum concentration of Fosphenytoin can be decreased when it is combined with Vindesine.
Phenytoin
Methotrexate
The serum concentration of Phenytoin can be decreased when it is combined with Methotrexate.
Phenytoin
Vindesine
The serum concentration of Phenytoin can be decreased when it is combined with Vindesine.