Drug interactions
Arsenic trioxide + Octreotide
Severity: Major
Arsenic trioxide and Octreotide: major 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
Arsenic trioxide carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and octreotide can add to this through bradycardia and QT effects. The combination raises the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Arsenic trioxide and Octreotide 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; Octreotide belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with octreotide-related bradycardia increasing torsades risk.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible. If it is necessary, obtain a baseline ECG, keep potassium and magnesium within normal range, and monitor ECG throughout therapy.
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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Other interactions of Octreotide
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 Octreotide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Arsenic trioxide and Octreotide 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 carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and octreotide can add to this through bradycardia and QT effects. The combination raises the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Arsenic trioxide and Octreotide?
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 where possible. If it is necessary, obtain a baseline ECG, keep potassium and magnesium within normal range, and monitor ECG throughout therapy.
What other medicines interact with Octreotide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Octreotide with, for example, Adagrasib, Amisulpride, Artemether / lumefantrine. The full list is on the Octreotide page.
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