Drug interactions
Imatinib + Indomethacin
Severity: Moderate
Imatinib and Indomethacin: 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
Imatinib can cause thrombocytopenia and gastrointestinal bleeding, while indomethacin impairs platelet function and irritates the gastric mucosa. Together they may increase the likelihood of hemorrhage.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imatinib and Indomethacin 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.
Imatinib belongs to Oncology; Indomethacin belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive bleeding risk from imatinib-related thrombocytopenia and NSAID antiplatelet and mucosal effects.
What to do
Monitor platelet counts and signs of bleeding, and prefer paracetamol for analgesia when feasible.
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 Indomethacin
- Indomethacin + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Indomethacin + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Indomethacin Major
- Acemetacin + Indomethacin Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Indomethacin Major
- Alteplase + Indomethacin Major
Other interactions of Imatinib
- Imatinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Imatinib + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Imatinib Major
- Apalutamide + Imatinib Major
- Avapritinib + Imatinib Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Imatinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Imatinib with Indomethacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Imatinib and Indomethacin 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. Imatinib can cause thrombocytopenia and gastrointestinal bleeding, while indomethacin impairs platelet function and irritates the gastric mucosa. Together they may increase the likelihood of hemorrhage.
How serious is the interaction between Imatinib and Indomethacin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor platelet counts and signs of bleeding, and prefer paracetamol for analgesia when feasible.
What other medicines interact with Indomethacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Indomethacin with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Indomethacin page.
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