Drug interactions
Carbamazepine + Dabigatran etexilate
Severity: Major
Carbamazepine and Dabigatran etexilate: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Carbamazepine induces intestinal P-glycoprotein and lowers dabigatran exposure. This may reduce anticoagulant efficacy and increase the risk of stroke or thromboembolism.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbamazepine and Dabigatran etexilate 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.
Carbamazepine belongs to Central Nervous System; Dabigatran etexilate belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Induction of P-glycoprotein efflux transport by carbamazepine, reducing absorption of dabigatran etexilate.
What to do
Avoid the combination and choose an alternative anticoagulant or anticonvulsant where possible. If unavoidable, monitor closely for thromboembolic events.
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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References
Other interactions of Dabigatran etexilate
- Dabigatran etexilate + Defibrotide Contraindicated
- Dabigatran etexilate + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Dabigatran etexilate + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Abciximab + Dabigatran etexilate Major
- Alteplase + Dabigatran etexilate Major
- Amiodarone + Dabigatran etexilate Major
Other interactions of Carbamazepine
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Delamanid Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Dienogest / estradiol valerate Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbamazepine with Dabigatran etexilate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Carbamazepine and Dabigatran etexilate 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. Carbamazepine induces intestinal P-glycoprotein and lowers dabigatran exposure. This may reduce anticoagulant efficacy and increase the risk of stroke or thromboembolism.
How serious is the interaction between Carbamazepine and Dabigatran etexilate?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination and choose an alternative anticoagulant or anticonvulsant where possible. If unavoidable, monitor closely for thromboembolic events.
What other medicines interact with Dabigatran etexilate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dabigatran etexilate with, for example, Defibrotide, Ketorolac, Mifepristone. The full list is on the Dabigatran etexilate page.
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