Drug interactions
Dihydroergotamine + Imatinib
Severity: Major
Dihydroergotamine and Imatinib: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Imatinib may raise dihydroergotamine levels by inhibiting CYP3A4. Higher exposure raises the risk of ergotism, including severe peripheral and cerebral vasospasm and ischemia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dihydroergotamine and Imatinib 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.
Dihydroergotamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Imatinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Imatinib inhibits CYP3A4, reducing dihydroergotamine metabolism.
What to do
Avoid the combination and choose another migraine treatment. If it cannot be avoided, monitor for numbness, cold extremities and chest pain and stop dihydroergotamine at the first signs of ischemia.
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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References
Other interactions of Imatinib
- Imatinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Imatinib + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Imatinib Major
- Apalutamide + Imatinib Major
- Avapritinib + Imatinib Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Imatinib Major
Other interactions of Dihydroergotamine
- Almotriptan + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Dopamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Eletriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dihydroergotamine with Imatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dihydroergotamine and Imatinib 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. Imatinib may raise dihydroergotamine levels by inhibiting CYP3A4. Higher exposure raises the risk of ergotism, including severe peripheral and cerebral vasospasm and ischemia.
How serious is the interaction between Dihydroergotamine and Imatinib?
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 another migraine treatment. If it cannot be avoided, monitor for numbness, cold extremities and chest pain and stop dihydroergotamine at the first signs of ischemia.
What other medicines interact with Imatinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Imatinib with, for example, Lomitapide, Lonafarnib, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Imatinib page.
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