Drug interactions
Diltiazem + Doxorubicin
Severity: Moderate
Diltiazem and Doxorubicin: 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
Diltiazem can raise doxorubicin exposure and may increase its myelosuppression and cardiotoxicity. It may also impair efflux of doxorubicin from cells, which can alter tissue levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diltiazem and Doxorubicin 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.
Diltiazem belongs to Cardiovascular; Doxorubicin belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Diltiazem inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, reducing doxorubicin clearance and efflux.
What to do
Monitor blood counts and cardiac function closely during combined use. Consider an alternative antihypertensive or antianginal if toxicity emerges.
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?
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Other interactions of Diltiazem
- Diltiazem + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Ivabradine Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Diltiazem Major
- Alfentanil + Diltiazem Major
Other interactions of Doxorubicin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diltiazem with Doxorubicin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diltiazem and Doxorubicin 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. Diltiazem can raise doxorubicin exposure and may increase its myelosuppression and cardiotoxicity. It may also impair efflux of doxorubicin from cells, which can alter tissue levels.
How serious is the interaction between Diltiazem and Doxorubicin?
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 blood counts and cardiac function closely during combined use. Consider an alternative antihypertensive or antianginal if toxicity emerges.
What other medicines interact with Diltiazem?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diltiazem with, for example, Flibanserin, Ivabradine, Lomitapide. The full list is on the Diltiazem page.
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