Drug interactions
Imatinib + Promethazine
Severity: Minor
Imatinib and Promethazine: minor 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 inhibits CYP2D6 and may increase promethazine exposure, potentially adding to sedation and anticholinergic effects. Both drugs have some QT-prolonging potential, so the combination adds theoretical cardiac concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imatinib and Promethazine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Imatinib belongs to Oncology; Promethazine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Imatinib inhibits CYP2D6 metabolism of promethazine.
What to do
Monitor for increased sedation and reduce the promethazine dose if needed. Consider an ECG in patients with other QT risk factors.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Promethazine
- Ibutilide + Promethazine Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Promethazine Contraindicated
- Promethazine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Promethazine Major
- Amiodarone + Promethazine Major
- Amisulpride + Promethazine 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 Promethazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Imatinib and Promethazine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Imatinib inhibits CYP2D6 and may increase promethazine exposure, potentially adding to sedation and anticholinergic effects. Both drugs have some QT-prolonging potential, so the combination adds theoretical cardiac concern.
How serious is the interaction between Imatinib and Promethazine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for increased sedation and reduce the promethazine dose if needed. Consider an ECG in patients with other QT risk factors.
What other medicines interact with Promethazine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Promethazine with, for example, Ibutilide, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Promethazine page.
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