Drug interactions
Irinotecan + Sertraline
Severity: Minor
Irinotecan and Sertraline: 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
Irinotecan and its active metabolite SN-38 are affected by CYP3A4, but sertraline is only a weak inhibitor of that enzyme. A clinically meaningful change in irinotecan toxicity is unlikely.
What this interaction means in plain words
Irinotecan and Sertraline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Irinotecan belongs to Oncology; Sertraline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Weak CYP3A4 inhibition by sertraline might slightly alter irinotecan metabolism.
What to do
No dose change is usually needed. Monitor for diarrhea and neutropenia as for standard irinotecan therapy.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Irinotecan and Sertraline, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Sertraline
- Isocarboxazid + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Sertraline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Irinotecan
- Clozapine + Irinotecan Contraindicated
- Irinotecan + Sacituzumab govitecan Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Irinotecan Major
- Apalutamide + Irinotecan Major
- Atazanavir + Irinotecan Major
- Carbamazepine + Irinotecan Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Irinotecan with Sertraline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Irinotecan and Sertraline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Irinotecan and its active metabolite SN-38 are affected by CYP3A4, but sertraline is only a weak inhibitor of that enzyme. A clinically meaningful change in irinotecan toxicity is unlikely.
How serious is the interaction between Irinotecan and Sertraline?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No dose change is usually needed. Monitor for diarrhea and neutropenia as for standard irinotecan therapy.
What other medicines interact with Sertraline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sertraline with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Sertraline page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
