Drug interactions
Capecitabine + Esomeprazole
Severity: Minor
Capecitabine and Esomeprazole: minor 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
Elevated gastric pH from PPIs has been suggested to impair capecitabine absorption and reduce efficacy in observational data. A controlled crossover study found no change in exposure, so the evidence is conflicting.
What this interaction means in plain words
Capecitabine and Esomeprazole have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Capecitabine belongs to Oncology; Esomeprazole belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Possible reduced tablet dissolution at higher gastric pH, not firmly established.
What to do
No routine change is required. Review the need for the PPI in patients on capecitabine and monitor oncologic response.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Esomeprazole
- Esomeprazole + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Esomeprazole + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Acalabrutinib + Esomeprazole Major
- Atazanavir + Esomeprazole Major
- Citalopram + Esomeprazole Major
- Clopidogrel + Esomeprazole Major
Other interactions of Capecitabine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Capecitabine with Esomeprazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Capecitabine and Esomeprazole have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Elevated gastric pH from PPIs has been suggested to impair capecitabine absorption and reduce efficacy in observational data. A controlled crossover study found no change in exposure, so the evidence is conflicting.
How serious is the interaction between Capecitabine and Esomeprazole?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine change is required. Review the need for the PPI in patients on capecitabine and monitor oncologic response.
What other medicines interact with Esomeprazole?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Esomeprazole with, for example, Mavacamten, Rilpivirine, Acalabrutinib. The full list is on the Esomeprazole page.
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