Drug interactions
Cimetidine + Riluzole
Severity: Minor
Cimetidine and Riluzole: minor 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 riluzole exposure, potentially raising the risk of dose-related adverse effects such as liver enzyme elevation, nausea and fatigue. The magnitude of effect is not well defined.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cimetidine and Riluzole have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Cimetidine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Riluzole belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Cimetidine inhibits CYP1A2, the main enzyme responsible for riluzole metabolism.
What to do
Monitor liver function tests and tolerability, and consider an alternative acid suppressant such as famotidine if problems arise.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Riluzole
- Fluvoxamine + Riluzole Major
- Cannabidiol + Riluzole Moderate
- Ciprofloxacin + Riluzole Moderate
- Elranatamab + Riluzole Moderate
- Epcoritamab + Riluzole Moderate
- Fexinidazole + Riluzole Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cimetidine with Riluzole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cimetidine and Riluzole have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Cimetidine may increase riluzole exposure, potentially raising the risk of dose-related adverse effects such as liver enzyme elevation, nausea and fatigue. The magnitude of effect is not well defined.
How serious is the interaction between Cimetidine and Riluzole?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor liver function tests and tolerability, and consider an alternative acid suppressant such as famotidine if problems arise.
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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