Drug interactions
Imatinib + Nilotinib
Severity: Moderate
Imatinib and Nilotinib: 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
Both drugs inhibit CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein and are substrates of these pathways, so exposure to each may increase. Nilotinib also prolongs the QT interval and combined use increases toxicity concerns.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imatinib and Nilotinib 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; Nilotinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Mutual inhibition of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein reduces clearance of both drugs.
What to do
Avoid routine combination outside specialist protocols. If used, monitor ECG, electrolytes, blood counts and liver tests.
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 Imatinib
- Imatinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Imatinib + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Imatinib Major
- Apalutamide + Imatinib Major
- Avapritinib + Imatinib Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Imatinib Major
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 Imatinib with Nilotinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Imatinib and Nilotinib 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. Both drugs inhibit CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein and are substrates of these pathways, so exposure to each may increase. Nilotinib also prolongs the QT interval and combined use increases toxicity concerns.
How serious is the interaction between Imatinib and Nilotinib?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid routine combination outside specialist protocols. If used, monitor ECG, electrolytes, blood counts and liver tests.
What other medicines interact with Imatinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Imatinib with, for example, Lomitapide, Lonafarnib, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Imatinib page.
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