Combination of capecitabine and phenytoin may cause phenytoin intoxication: a case report

Abstract

Capecitabine is an oral antineoplastic agent, and phenytoin is an anticonvulsant drug with a narrow therapeutic index. Although the interaction between capecitabine and phenytoin is rare, it may be potentially fatal. This interaction is thought to be at the level of CYP2C9 isoenzyme system in the liver. Here, we present a patient with metastatic breast cancer who developed phenytoin intoxication when using capecitabine and phenytoin together. Closely monitoring plasma phenytoin levels is essential if capecitabine is used with phenytoin concurrently.