Drug interactions
Ceritinib + Donepezil
Severity: Major
Ceritinib and Donepezil: 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 can cause concentration-dependent QT prolongation and bradycardia. Donepezil also prolongs QT and can slow heart rate, so the combination increases the risk of torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ceritinib and Donepezil 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; Donepezil belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with additive bradycardia from both drugs.
What to do
Avoid if possible. If co-administered, monitor ECG and electrolytes periodically and interrupt ceritinib if 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
- Apozyl 10 mg Orodispersible Tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: other medicinal products known to prolong the QTc interval; "Caution is advised when donepezil is used in combination with other medicinal products known to prolong the QTc interval and clinical monitoring(ECG) may be req… — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Donepezil
- Donepezil + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Donepezil Major
- Amisulpride + Donepezil 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 Donepezil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ceritinib and Donepezil 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 can cause concentration-dependent QT prolongation and bradycardia. Donepezil also prolongs QT and can slow heart rate, so the combination increases the risk of torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Ceritinib and Donepezil?
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 if possible. If co-administered, monitor ECG and electrolytes periodically and interrupt ceritinib if QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
What other medicines interact with Donepezil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Donepezil with, for example, Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Donepezil page.
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