Drug interactions
Fluoxetine + Sunitinib
Severity: Moderate
Fluoxetine and Sunitinib: 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
Sunitinib can prolong the QT interval, and fluoxetine has a smaller QT effect, so the combination may add to the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with electrolyte abnormalities, bradycardia or structural heart disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fluoxetine and Sunitinib 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.
Fluoxetine belongs to Central Nervous System; Sunitinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Check a baseline ECG and electrolytes and repeat ECG during treatment. Correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, and consider an alternative antidepressant if the QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
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 Fluoxetine
- Fluoxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Sunitinib
- Adagrasib + Sunitinib Major
- Amiodarone + Sunitinib Major
- Amisulpride + Sunitinib Major
- Anagrelide + Sunitinib Major
- Apalutamide + Sunitinib Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Sunitinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fluoxetine with Sunitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fluoxetine and Sunitinib 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. Sunitinib can prolong the QT interval, and fluoxetine has a smaller QT effect, so the combination may add to the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with electrolyte abnormalities, bradycardia or structural heart disease.
How serious is the interaction between Fluoxetine and Sunitinib?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check a baseline ECG and electrolytes and repeat ECG during treatment. Correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, and consider an alternative antidepressant if the QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
What other medicines interact with Fluoxetine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fluoxetine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Mavacamten, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Fluoxetine page.
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