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Drug interactions

Cimetidine + Sunitinib

Severity: Moderate

Cimetidine and Sunitinib: moderate 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 modestly increase sunitinib and its active metabolite exposure, potentially increasing toxicities such as fatigue, hypertension, and QT prolongation. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors are the main concern, and cimetidine is weaker.

What this interaction means in plain words

Cimetidine and Sunitinib can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Cimetidine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Sunitinib belongs to Oncology.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Cimetidine inhibits CYP3A4, reducing metabolism of sunitinib.

What to do

Monitor for sunitinib toxicity, blood pressure and QTc; consider famotidine if acid suppression is needed.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Cimetidine with Sunitinib?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cimetidine and Sunitinib can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Cimetidine may modestly increase sunitinib and its active metabolite exposure, potentially increasing toxicities such as fatigue, hypertension, and QT prolongation. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors are the main concern, and cimetidine is weaker.

How serious is the interaction between Cimetidine and Sunitinib?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for sunitinib toxicity, blood pressure and QTc; consider famotidine if acid suppression is needed.

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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