Drug interactions
Artesunate + Imatinib
Severity: Moderate
Artesunate and Imatinib: moderate 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
Imatinib may inhibit UGT-mediated glucuronidation of dihydroartemisinin, the active metabolite of artesunate, and raise its exposure. This could increase adverse effects such as hematologic toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artesunate and Imatinib can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Artesunate belongs to Anti Parasitic; Imatinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Inhibition of UGT enzymes by imatinib reduces clearance of dihydroartemisinin.
What to do
Monitor for increased adverse effects and check blood counts if treatment is prolonged; no routine dose change is established.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Imatinib
- Imatinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Imatinib + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Imatinib Major
- Apalutamide + Imatinib Major
- Avapritinib + Imatinib Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Imatinib Major
Other interactions of Artesunate
- Artesunate + Rifampicin Major
- Artesunate + Carbamazepine Moderate
- Artesunate + Eltrombopag Moderate
- Artesunate + Nevirapine Moderate
- Artesunate + Phenytoin Moderate
- Artesunate + Regorafenib Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artesunate with Imatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Artesunate and Imatinib can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Imatinib may inhibit UGT-mediated glucuronidation of dihydroartemisinin, the active metabolite of artesunate, and raise its exposure. This could increase adverse effects such as hematologic toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Artesunate and Imatinib?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for increased adverse effects and check blood counts if treatment is prolonged; no routine dose change is established.
What other medicines interact with Imatinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Imatinib with, for example, Lomitapide, Lonafarnib, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Imatinib page.
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