Drug interactions
Cimetidine + Epirubicin
Severity: Major
Cimetidine and Epirubicin: 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
Cimetidine has been shown to increase epirubicin exposure, which can intensify myelosuppression and cardiotoxicity. Epirubicin labeling advises against concurrent use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cimetidine and Epirubicin 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.
Cimetidine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Epirubicin belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Cimetidine reduces the hepatic metabolism and clearance of epirubicin.
What to do
Stop cimetidine before and during epirubicin treatment and use an alternative such as famotidine or a proton pump inhibitor. Monitor blood counts and cardiac function.
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 Cimetidine
- Cimetidine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Cimetidine + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Cimetidine Major
- Atazanavir + Cimetidine Major
- Carmustine + Cimetidine Major
- Cimetidine + Citalopram Major
Other interactions of Epirubicin
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Epirubicin Contraindicated
- Belatacept + Epirubicin Major
- Deferiprone + Epirubicin Major
- Dengue vaccine + Epirubicin Major
- Epirubicin + Etrasimod Major
- Epirubicin + Fingolimod Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cimetidine with Epirubicin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cimetidine and Epirubicin 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. Cimetidine has been shown to increase epirubicin exposure, which can intensify myelosuppression and cardiotoxicity. Epirubicin labeling advises against concurrent use.
How serious is the interaction between Cimetidine and Epirubicin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Stop cimetidine before and during epirubicin treatment and use an alternative such as famotidine or a proton pump inhibitor. Monitor blood counts and cardiac function.
What other medicines interact with Cimetidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cimetidine with, for example, Dofetilide, Fezolinetant, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Cimetidine page.
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