Drug interactions
Aripiprazole + Nilotinib
Severity: Major
Aripiprazole and Nilotinib: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Nilotinib carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation and sudden death. Adding aripiprazole, with its small QT effect, increases risk, and nilotinib's CYP3A4 inhibition may raise aripiprazole levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aripiprazole and Nilotinib can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Aripiprazole belongs to Central Nervous System; Nilotinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation, with CYP3A4 inhibition by nilotinib increasing aripiprazole exposure.
What to do
Prefer an alternative antipsychotic or cancer therapy if possible. If both are needed, monitor ECG and potassium and magnesium regularly and consider reducing the aripiprazole dose.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Aripiprazole and Nilotinib, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
- Abilify 1 mg/mL Oral Solution - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: medicinal products known to cause QT prolongation; "If aripiprazole is administered concomitantly with medicinal products known to cause QT prolongation or electrolyte imbalance, caution should be used.") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Aripiprazole
- Aripiprazole + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Aripiprazole + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Aripiprazole Major
- Aripiprazole + Arsenic trioxide Major
- Aripiprazole + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Major
- Aripiprazole + Carbamazepine Major
Other interactions of Nilotinib
- Amiodarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Nilotinib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Aripiprazole with Nilotinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Aripiprazole and Nilotinib can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Nilotinib carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation and sudden death. Adding aripiprazole, with its small QT effect, increases risk, and nilotinib's CYP3A4 inhibition may raise aripiprazole levels.
How serious is the interaction between Aripiprazole and Nilotinib?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer an alternative antipsychotic or cancer therapy if possible. If both are needed, monitor ECG and potassium and magnesium regularly and consider reducing the aripiprazole dose.
What other medicines interact with Aripiprazole?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Aripiprazole with, for example, Pimozide, Thioridazine, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Aripiprazole page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
