Drug interactions
Carbamazepine + Erlotinib
Severity: Major
Carbamazepine and Erlotinib: 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
Carbamazepine may reduce erlotinib exposure and decrease its antitumor effect. Strong inducers such as rifampin have lowered erlotinib exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbamazepine and Erlotinib 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; Erlotinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Carbamazepine induces CYP3A4, which increases the metabolism of erlotinib.
What to do
Use a non-inducing antiseizure drug where possible. If the inducer must be continued, monitor response and consider cautious erlotinib dose escalation with tolerability monitoring.
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 Carbamazepine
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Delamanid Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Dienogest / estradiol valerate Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Other interactions of Erlotinib
- Amobarbital + Erlotinib Major
- Apalutamide + Erlotinib Major
- Cobicistat + Erlotinib Major
- Darunavir + Erlotinib Major
- Dexlansoprazole + Erlotinib Major
- Enzalutamide + Erlotinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbamazepine with Erlotinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Carbamazepine and Erlotinib 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 may reduce erlotinib exposure and decrease its antitumor effect. Strong inducers such as rifampin have lowered erlotinib exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Carbamazepine and Erlotinib?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use a non-inducing antiseizure drug where possible. If the inducer must be continued, monitor response and consider cautious erlotinib dose escalation with tolerability monitoring.
What other medicines interact with Carbamazepine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Carbamazepine with, for example, Artemether / lumefantrine, Cabotegravir, Delamanid. The full list is on the Carbamazepine page.
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