Drug interactions
Cilostazol + Nefazodone
Severity: Major
Cilostazol and Nefazodone: 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
Nefazodone is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and is expected to raise cilostazol concentrations. This increases the risk of tachycardia, palpitations and headache.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cilostazol and Nefazodone 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
Nefazodone strongly inhibits CYP3A4, reducing cilostazol clearance.
What to do
Reduce cilostazol to 50 mg twice daily if co-administration is unavoidable, and monitor heart rate. Prefer an antidepressant without CYP3A4 inhibition.
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 Nefazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cilostazol and Nefazodone 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. Nefazodone is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and is expected to raise cilostazol concentrations. This increases the risk of tachycardia, palpitations and headache.
How serious is the interaction between Cilostazol and Nefazodone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce cilostazol to 50 mg twice daily if co-administration is unavoidable, and monitor heart rate. Prefer an antidepressant without CYP3A4 inhibition.
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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