Drug interactions
Eslicarbazepine + Tacrolimus
Severity: Major
Eslicarbazepine and Tacrolimus: 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
Eslicarbazepine may lower tacrolimus blood levels, raising risk of rejection or loss of immunosuppression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Eslicarbazepine and Tacrolimus 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.
Eslicarbazepine belongs to Central Nervous System; Tacrolimus belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 induction increases tacrolimus metabolism.
What to do
Monitor tacrolimus trough levels when starting or stopping eslicarbazepine and adjust dose accordingly.
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
- Eslicarbazepine Amarox 200 mg tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: medicinal products that are mainly eliminated by metabolism through CYP3A4; "In vivo eslicarbazepine showed an inducing effect on the metabolism of medicinal products that are mainly eliminated by metabolism through CYP… — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Eslicarbazepine
- Eslicarbazepine + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Eslicarbazepine + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Eslicarbazepine Major
- Avapritinib + Eslicarbazepine Major
- Bedaquiline + Eslicarbazepine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Eslicarbazepine Major
Other interactions of Tacrolimus
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Cidofovir + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Eslicarbazepine with Tacrolimus?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Eslicarbazepine and Tacrolimus 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. Eslicarbazepine may lower tacrolimus blood levels, raising risk of rejection or loss of immunosuppression.
How serious is the interaction between Eslicarbazepine and Tacrolimus?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor tacrolimus trough levels when starting or stopping eslicarbazepine and adjust dose accordingly.
What other medicines interact with Eslicarbazepine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Eslicarbazepine with, for example, Mavacamten, Rilpivirine, Artemether / lumefantrine. The full list is on the Eslicarbazepine page.
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