Drug interactions
Esomeprazole + Gefitinib
Severity: Major
Esomeprazole and Gefitinib: 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
Gefitinib solubility falls as gastric pH rises, and PPIs can markedly lower gefitinib exposure. This may reduce anticancer efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Esomeprazole and Gefitinib 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.
Esomeprazole belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Gefitinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Sustained increases in gastric pH reduce gefitinib dissolution and absorption.
What to do
Avoid concomitant PPI use if possible; if a PPI is essential, give gefitinib 12 hours after the PPI dose and consider an alternative acid reducer.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Esomeprazole and Gefitinib, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Esomeprazole
- Esomeprazole + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Esomeprazole + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Acalabrutinib + Esomeprazole Major
- Atazanavir + Esomeprazole Major
- Citalopram + Esomeprazole Major
- Clopidogrel + Esomeprazole Major
Other interactions of Gefitinib
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Esomeprazole with Gefitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Esomeprazole and Gefitinib 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. Gefitinib solubility falls as gastric pH rises, and PPIs can markedly lower gefitinib exposure. This may reduce anticancer efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Esomeprazole and Gefitinib?
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 concomitant PPI use if possible; if a PPI is essential, give gefitinib 12 hours after the PPI dose and consider an alternative acid reducer.
What other medicines interact with Esomeprazole?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Esomeprazole with, for example, Mavacamten, Rilpivirine, Acalabrutinib. The full list is on the Esomeprazole page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
