Drug interactions
Desflurane + Nilotinib
Severity: Major
Desflurane 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
Nilotinib carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation and sudden death, and desflurane may add to the effect. The combination may substantially increase the risk of torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desflurane 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.
Desflurane belongs to Central Nervous System; Nilotinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before anesthesia. Monitor the ECG throughout, and consider an alternative anesthetic technique such as total intravenous anesthesia if the QT interval is 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 Desflurane
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 Desflurane with Nilotinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desflurane 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. Nilotinib carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation and sudden death, and desflurane may add to the effect. The combination may substantially increase the risk of torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Desflurane 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: Obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before anesthesia. Monitor the ECG throughout, and consider an alternative anesthetic technique such as total intravenous anesthesia if the QT interval is prolonged.
What other medicines interact with Desflurane?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desflurane with, for example, Amisulpride, Anagrelide, Arsenic trioxide. The full list is on the Desflurane page.
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