Drug interactions
Imatinib + Primidone
Severity: Moderate
Imatinib and Primidone: 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
Primidone is metabolized to phenobarbital and induces CYP3A4, which can lower imatinib concentrations. Reduced exposure may lead to loss of disease control.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imatinib and Primidone 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; Primidone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 by primidone and its metabolite phenobarbital increases imatinib metabolism.
What to do
Prefer a non-inducing anticonvulsant. If unavoidable, raise the imatinib dose per labeling and monitor response.
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 Primidone
- Lorlatinib + Primidone Contraindicated
- Lurasidone + Primidone Contraindicated
- Primidone + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Primidone + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir Contraindicated
- Primidone + Voriconazole Contraindicated
- Abiraterone + Primidone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Imatinib with Primidone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Imatinib and Primidone 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. Primidone is metabolized to phenobarbital and induces CYP3A4, which can lower imatinib concentrations. Reduced exposure may lead to loss of disease control.
How serious is the interaction between Imatinib and Primidone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer a non-inducing anticonvulsant. If unavoidable, raise the imatinib dose per labeling and monitor response.
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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