Drug interactions
Grapefruit + Nilotinib
Severity: Major
Grapefruit and Nilotinib: 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
Grapefruit inhibits intestinal CYP3A4 and can increase nilotinib absorption and exposure. This raises the risk of QT prolongation and other dose-related toxicities.
What this interaction means in plain words
Grapefruit and Nilotinib 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.
Why it happens
Grapefruit constituents inhibit intestinal CYP3A4, reducing first-pass metabolism of nilotinib.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice and related citrus products during nilotinib therapy.
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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Other interactions of Nilotinib
- Amiodarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Nilotinib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Grapefruit with Nilotinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Grapefruit and Nilotinib 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. Grapefruit inhibits intestinal CYP3A4 and can increase nilotinib absorption and exposure. This raises the risk of QT prolongation and other dose-related toxicities.
How serious is the interaction between Grapefruit and Nilotinib?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice and related citrus products during nilotinib therapy.
What other medicines interact with Nilotinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nilotinib with, for example, Amiodarone, Arsenic trioxide, Disopyramide. The full list is on the Nilotinib page.
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