Drug interactions
Ceritinib + Clozapine
Severity: Major
Ceritinib and Clozapine: 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
Ceritinib prolongs the QT interval in a dose-related way, and clozapine also has QT-prolonging potential. Using both increases the risk of torsades de pointes. Ceritinib also inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP2C9, which may affect other drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ceritinib and Clozapine 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.
Ceritinib belongs to Oncology; Clozapine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of cardiac repolarisation.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible. If both are needed, monitor ECG and electrolytes regularly and stop or reduce ceritinib if the QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
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
- Clozapine Viatris 100 mg Orodispersible Tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: medicines known to increase QTc interval; "caution should be exercised when clozapine is prescribed with medicines known to increase QTc interval, or causing electrolyte imbalance.") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Clozapine
- Clozapine + Deferiprone Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Irinotecan Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acalabrutinib + Clozapine Major
- Adagrasib + Clozapine Major
Other interactions of Ceritinib
- Ceritinib + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Tolvaptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ceritinib with Clozapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ceritinib and Clozapine 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. Ceritinib prolongs the QT interval in a dose-related way, and clozapine also has QT-prolonging potential. Using both increases the risk of torsades de pointes. Ceritinib also inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP2C9, which may affect other drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Ceritinib and Clozapine?
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 if possible. If both are needed, monitor ECG and electrolytes regularly and stop or reduce ceritinib if the QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
What other medicines interact with Clozapine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clozapine with, for example, Deferiprone, Irinotecan, Pimozide. The full list is on the Clozapine page.
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