Drug interactions
Crizotinib + Nilotinib
Severity: Major
Crizotinib 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
Both drugs prolong the QT interval, and crizotinib also causes bradycardia. Combined use may increase the risk of torsades de pointes. Crizotinib is a CYP3A4 inhibitor and nilotinib is a CYP3A4 substrate, which may further raise nilotinib exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Crizotinib 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.
Crizotinib belongs to Oncology; Nilotinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation plus CYP3A4 inhibition by crizotinib increasing nilotinib levels.
What to do
Avoid if possible; if combined, monitor ECG and electrolytes and heart rate frequently, and reduce or interrupt therapy if QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
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 Nilotinib
- Amiodarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Nilotinib Contraindicated
Other interactions of Crizotinib
- Crizotinib + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Crizotinib with Nilotinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Crizotinib 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. Both drugs prolong the QT interval, and crizotinib also causes bradycardia. Combined use may increase the risk of torsades de pointes. Crizotinib is a CYP3A4 inhibitor and nilotinib is a CYP3A4 substrate, which may further raise nilotinib exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Crizotinib 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: Avoid if possible; if combined, monitor ECG and electrolytes and heart rate frequently, and reduce or interrupt therapy if QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
What other medicines interact with Nilotinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nilotinib with, for example, Amiodarone, Arsenic trioxide, Disopyramide. The full list is on the Nilotinib page.
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