Drug interactions
Capecitabine + Food
Severity: Minor
Capecitabine and Food: 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
Food slows and reduces the absorption of oral capecitabine. Labeling directs administration within 30 minutes after a meal, and pivotal trial dosing was given this way.
What this interaction means in plain words
Capecitabine and Food have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Food delays gastric emptying and reduces the rate and extent of capecitabine absorption.
What to do
Take capecitabine with water within 30 minutes after the end of a meal, consistently, as labeled.
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 Capecitabine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Capecitabine with Food?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Capecitabine and Food have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Food slows and reduces the absorption of oral capecitabine. Labeling directs administration within 30 minutes after a meal, and pivotal trial dosing was given this way.
How serious is the interaction between Capecitabine and Food?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Take capecitabine with water within 30 minutes after the end of a meal, consistently, as labeled.
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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