Drug interactions
Fexinidazole + Irinotecan
Severity: Moderate
Fexinidazole and Irinotecan: 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
Fexinidazole has mixed effects on metabolic enzymes, inhibiting CYP3A4 and inducing CYP2B6. Net effect on irinotecan and SN-38 exposure is unpredictable, with a risk of either increased toxicity or reduced efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fexinidazole and Irinotecan 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.
Why it happens
Fexinidazole inhibits CYP3A4 and induces CYP2B6, both of which are involved in irinotecan disposition, with no established net effect.
What to do
Fexinidazole is used for short-course treatment of trypanosomiasis; where feasible, defer irinotecan. If coadministered, monitor for diarrhoea and neutropenia.
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 Irinotecan
- Clozapine + Irinotecan Contraindicated
- Irinotecan + Sacituzumab govitecan Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Irinotecan Major
- Apalutamide + Irinotecan Major
- Atazanavir + Irinotecan Major
- Carbamazepine + Irinotecan Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fexinidazole with Irinotecan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fexinidazole and Irinotecan 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. Fexinidazole has mixed effects on metabolic enzymes, inhibiting CYP3A4 and inducing CYP2B6. Net effect on irinotecan and SN-38 exposure is unpredictable, with a risk of either increased toxicity or reduced efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Fexinidazole and Irinotecan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Fexinidazole is used for short-course treatment of trypanosomiasis; where feasible, defer irinotecan. If coadministered, monitor for diarrhoea and neutropenia.
What other medicines interact with Irinotecan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Irinotecan with, for example, Clozapine, Sacituzumab govitecan, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live. The full list is on the Irinotecan page.
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