Drug interactions
Arsenic trioxide + Crizotinib
Severity: Major
Arsenic trioxide and Crizotinib: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Both drugs prolong the QT interval, and arsenic trioxide carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Combining them substantially increases the risk of life-threatening arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Arsenic trioxide and Crizotinib 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.
Arsenic trioxide belongs to Oncology; Crizotinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through effects on cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible. If unavoidable, obtain frequent ECGs, keep potassium and magnesium within normal range, and stop or adjust therapy if QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
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?
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References
Other interactions of Crizotinib
- Crizotinib + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Arsenic trioxide
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Clomipramine Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Fluphenazine Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Gemifloxacin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Arsenic trioxide with Crizotinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Arsenic trioxide and Crizotinib 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. Both drugs prolong the QT interval, and arsenic trioxide carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Combining them substantially increases the risk of life-threatening arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Arsenic trioxide and Crizotinib?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination if possible. If unavoidable, obtain frequent ECGs, keep potassium and magnesium within normal range, and stop or adjust therapy if QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
What other medicines interact with Crizotinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Crizotinib with, for example, Flibanserin, Lomitapide, Lonafarnib. The full list is on the Crizotinib page.
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