Drug interactions
Cilostazol + Fexinidazole
Severity: Major
Cilostazol and Fexinidazole: 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
Fexinidazole inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise cilostazol exposure. This increases the likelihood of dose-related cilostazol effects such as tachycardia, headache and diarrhea. Fexinidazole itself also prolongs the QT interval.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cilostazol and Fexinidazole 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.
Why it happens
Fexinidazole inhibits CYP3A4, decreasing cilostazol clearance.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, or reduce cilostazol to 50 mg twice daily and monitor heart rate and ECG during the short fexinidazole course.
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 Cilostazol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cilostazol with Fexinidazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cilostazol and Fexinidazole 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. Fexinidazole inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise cilostazol exposure. This increases the likelihood of dose-related cilostazol effects such as tachycardia, headache and diarrhea. Fexinidazole itself also prolongs the QT interval.
How serious is the interaction between Cilostazol and Fexinidazole?
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 where possible, or reduce cilostazol to 50 mg twice daily and monitor heart rate and ECG during the short fexinidazole course.
What other medicines interact with Cilostazol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cilostazol with, for example, Abrocitinib, Anagrelide, Betrixaban. The full list is on the Cilostazol page.
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