Drug interactions
Aprepitant + Irinotecan
Severity: Minor
Aprepitant and Irinotecan: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Irinotecan and its active metabolite SN-38 are affected by CYP3A4, and inhibition could alter exposure. Studies with fosaprepitant did not show a clinically meaningful change in irinotecan pharmacokinetics, though monitoring remains sensible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aprepitant and Irinotecan have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Aprepitant belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Irinotecan belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Aprepitant inhibits CYP3A4, which may alter irinotecan oxidative metabolism, but the net effect appears small.
What to do
Monitor for diarrhea and neutropenia as routine, and no dose adjustment is usually needed.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Aprepitant
- Aprepitant + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Aprepitant + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Aprepitant + Avapritinib Major
- Aprepitant + Bosutinib Major
- Aprepitant + Carbamazepine Major
- Aprepitant + Cobicistat Major
Other interactions of Irinotecan
- Clozapine + Irinotecan Contraindicated
- Irinotecan + Sacituzumab govitecan Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Irinotecan Major
- Apalutamide + Irinotecan Major
- Atazanavir + Irinotecan Major
- Carbamazepine + Irinotecan Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Aprepitant with Irinotecan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Aprepitant and Irinotecan have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Irinotecan and its active metabolite SN-38 are affected by CYP3A4, and inhibition could alter exposure. Studies with fosaprepitant did not show a clinically meaningful change in irinotecan pharmacokinetics, though monitoring remains sensible.
How serious is the interaction between Aprepitant and Irinotecan?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for diarrhea and neutropenia as routine, and no dose adjustment is usually needed.
What other medicines interact with Aprepitant?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Aprepitant with, for example, Lomitapide, Pimozide, Avapritinib. The full list is on the Aprepitant page.
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