Drug interactions
Capecitabine + Terbinafine
Severity: Minor
Capecitabine and Terbinafine: 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
Capecitabine (via fluorouracil) has little capacity to meaningfully inhibit terbinafine metabolism. The main clinical concern is not a pharmacokinetic interaction but overlapping hepatotoxicity, since both drugs can raise liver enzymes. The legacy mechanism is not well supported.
What this interaction means in plain words
Capecitabine and Terbinafine 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; Terbinafine belongs to Anti Fungals.
Why it happens
No well-established pharmacokinetic mechanism; theoretical CYP2C9 effects are unproven, with possible additive hepatotoxicity.
What to do
Monitor liver function tests if terbinafine is used during capecitabine therapy and stop terbinafine if hepatic injury develops.
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 Terbinafine
- Terbinafine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Terbinafine Major
- Eliglustat + Terbinafine Major
- Flecainide + Terbinafine Major
- Imipramine + Terbinafine Major
- Maprotiline + Terbinafine Major
Other interactions of Capecitabine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Capecitabine with Terbinafine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Capecitabine and Terbinafine 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 (via fluorouracil) has little capacity to meaningfully inhibit terbinafine metabolism. The main clinical concern is not a pharmacokinetic interaction but overlapping hepatotoxicity, since both drugs can raise liver enzymes. The legacy mechanism is not well supported.
How serious is the interaction between Capecitabine and Terbinafine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor liver function tests if terbinafine is used during capecitabine therapy and stop terbinafine if hepatic injury develops.
What other medicines interact with Terbinafine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Terbinafine with, for example, Thioridazine, Desipramine, Eliglustat. The full list is on the Terbinafine page.
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