Ticlopidine-Induced Phenytoin Toxicity

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To report a probable case of ticlopidine-induced phenytoin toxicity.

CASE SUMMARY:

A 72-year-old man suddenly developed combative behavior, refused to leave his room, stopped eating, and began falling to the floor 6 weeks after being given ticlopidine. The total phenytoin concentration was measured at 43.6 μg/mL; the dosage of phenytoin was decreased and the symptoms later resolved. After ticlopidine was discontinued, the patient was rechallenged with the same dose of phenytoin without symptoms of toxicity.

DISCUSSION:

Possible mechanisms of the drug interaction are discussed with emphasis on cytochrome P450 metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS:

Clinicians should be aware of this potentially serious drug interaction and either avoid the phenytoin–ticlopidine combination, or monitor closely for phenytoin toxicity.