Drug interactions
Ceritinib + Methadone
Severity: Major
Ceritinib and Methadone: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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 and inhibits CYP3A4, which can raise methadone concentrations. The combination increases the risk of torsades de pointes and opioid toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ceritinib and Methadone 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; Methadone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation plus ceritinib inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated methadone metabolism.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise monitor ECG and electrolytes and watch for sedation or respiratory depression. Consider lowering methadone dose.
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 Methadone
- Alvimopan + Methadone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Methadone Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Methadone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Methadone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
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 Methadone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ceritinib and Methadone 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 and inhibits CYP3A4, which can raise methadone concentrations. The combination increases the risk of torsades de pointes and opioid toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Ceritinib and Methadone?
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; otherwise monitor ECG and electrolytes and watch for sedation or respiratory depression. Consider lowering methadone dose.
What other medicines interact with Methadone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methadone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Droperidol. The full list is on the Methadone page.
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