Drug interactions
Capecitabine + Dofetilide
Severity: Major
Capecitabine and Dofetilide: 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
Dofetilide has a high risk of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Capecitabine may add slightly to cardiac risk, and chemotherapy-related vomiting or diarrhea can cause electrolyte disturbances that further increase the risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Capecitabine and Dofetilide 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.
Capecitabine belongs to Oncology; Dofetilide belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Dofetilide blocks the IKr potassium current; capecitabine contribution is minor and uncertain, with electrolyte loss an indirect factor.
What to do
Monitor ECG and QTc and keep potassium and magnesium normal. Consider an alternative antiarrhythmic if QTc rises markedly or the patient has significant GI toxicity.
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 Capecitabine
Other interactions of Dofetilide
- Amiodarone + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amlodipine-olmesartan-hydrochlorothiazide + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide + Dofetilide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Capecitabine with Dofetilide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Capecitabine and Dofetilide 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. Dofetilide has a high risk of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Capecitabine may add slightly to cardiac risk, and chemotherapy-related vomiting or diarrhea can cause electrolyte disturbances that further increase the risk.
How serious is the interaction between Capecitabine and Dofetilide?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor ECG and QTc and keep potassium and magnesium normal. Consider an alternative antiarrhythmic if QTc rises markedly or the patient has significant GI toxicity.
What other medicines interact with Capecitabine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Capecitabine with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Arsenic trioxide, Axicabtagene ciloleucel. The full list is on the Capecitabine page.
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