Drug interactions
Carbamazepine + Paclitaxel
Severity: Moderate
Carbamazepine and Paclitaxel: moderate 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 increases paclitaxel clearance and can lower its exposure, which may reduce antitumor efficacy. Enzyme-inducing antiepileptics have been associated with this effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbamazepine and Paclitaxel can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Carbamazepine belongs to Central Nervous System; Paclitaxel belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Carbamazepine induces CYP2C8 and CYP3A4, the main enzymes metabolizing paclitaxel.
What to do
Where possible, switch to a non-enzyme-inducing antiepileptic. If the combination continues, monitor the tumor response.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Paclitaxel
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbamazepine with Paclitaxel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Carbamazepine and Paclitaxel can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Carbamazepine increases paclitaxel clearance and can lower its exposure, which may reduce antitumor efficacy. Enzyme-inducing antiepileptics have been associated with this effect.
How serious is the interaction between Carbamazepine and Paclitaxel?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Where possible, switch to a non-enzyme-inducing antiepileptic. If the combination continues, monitor the tumor response.
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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