Drug interactions
Cimetidine + Nilotinib
Severity: Major
Cimetidine and Nilotinib: 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 may increase nilotinib exposure and thereby the risk of QT prolongation and other dose-related toxicity. Cimetidine is also an H2 blocker, which can independently lower the absorption of nilotinib capsules.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cimetidine and Nilotinib 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; Nilotinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Cimetidine weakly inhibits CYP3A4, reducing nilotinib metabolism, and its acid suppression alters the pH-dependent solubility of nilotinib.
What to do
Prefer an alternative acid suppressant or none; if an H2 blocker is needed, give it about 10 hours before and 2 hours after nilotinib. Obtain an ECG and check electrolytes if the combination is used.
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 Nilotinib
- Amiodarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Nilotinib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cimetidine with Nilotinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cimetidine and Nilotinib 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 may increase nilotinib exposure and thereby the risk of QT prolongation and other dose-related toxicity. Cimetidine is also an H2 blocker, which can independently lower the absorption of nilotinib capsules.
How serious is the interaction between Cimetidine and Nilotinib?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer an alternative acid suppressant or none; if an H2 blocker is needed, give it about 10 hours before and 2 hours after nilotinib. Obtain an ECG and check electrolytes if the combination is used.
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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