Drug interactions
Diltiazem + Imatinib
Severity: Moderate
Diltiazem and Imatinib: 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 may increase imatinib concentrations, raising the risk of fluid retention, nausea, myelosuppression and hepatotoxicity. Imatinib may also inhibit CYP3A4 and raise diltiazem levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diltiazem and Imatinib 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; Imatinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Diltiazem inhibits CYP3A4, the main pathway of imatinib metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for imatinib adverse effects, blood counts and liver tests, and watch heart rate and blood pressure for increased diltiazem effect.
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 Imatinib
- Imatinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Imatinib + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Imatinib Major
- Apalutamide + Imatinib Major
- Avapritinib + Imatinib Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Imatinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diltiazem with Imatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diltiazem and Imatinib 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 may increase imatinib concentrations, raising the risk of fluid retention, nausea, myelosuppression and hepatotoxicity. Imatinib may also inhibit CYP3A4 and raise diltiazem levels.
How serious is the interaction between Diltiazem and Imatinib?
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 for imatinib adverse effects, blood counts and liver tests, and watch heart rate and blood pressure for increased diltiazem effect.
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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