Drug interactions
Crizotinib + Primidone
Severity: Major
Crizotinib and Primidone: 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
Primidone, partly through its metabolite phenobarbital, induces CYP3A4 and may lower crizotinib concentrations. This could reduce antitumor efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Crizotinib and Primidone 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; Primidone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Primidone and phenobarbital induce CYP3A4, increasing crizotinib clearance.
What to do
Avoid the combination and choose a non-inducing anticonvulsant such as levetiracetam where feasible. If it is unavoidable, monitor tumor response closely.
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 Crizotinib
- Crizotinib + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Primidone
- Lorlatinib + Primidone Contraindicated
- Lurasidone + Primidone Contraindicated
- Primidone + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Primidone + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir Contraindicated
- Primidone + Voriconazole Contraindicated
- Abiraterone + Primidone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Crizotinib with Primidone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Crizotinib and Primidone 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. Primidone, partly through its metabolite phenobarbital, induces CYP3A4 and may lower crizotinib concentrations. This could reduce antitumor efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Crizotinib and Primidone?
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 the combination and choose a non-inducing anticonvulsant such as levetiracetam where feasible. If it is unavoidable, monitor tumor response closely.
What other medicines interact with Crizotinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Crizotinib with, for example, Flibanserin, Lomitapide, Lonafarnib. The full list is on the Crizotinib page.
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