Drug interactions
Irinotecan + Teniposide
Severity: Moderate
Irinotecan and Teniposide: 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 agents are cytotoxic and cause myelosuppression, so combined use may deepen neutropenia and increase infection risk. Teniposide has been described as a P-glycoprotein substrate or modulator, but a clinically meaningful change in irinotecan exposure is not established.
What this interaction means in plain words
Irinotecan and Teniposide 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.
Why it happens
Additive myelosuppression; a transporter-mediated pharmacokinetic effect on irinotecan is theoretical.
What to do
Monitor complete blood counts closely, particularly neutrophils, and watch for diarrhea. Reduce doses or delay cycles if severe myelosuppression develops.
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 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 Teniposide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Irinotecan and Teniposide 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 agents are cytotoxic and cause myelosuppression, so combined use may deepen neutropenia and increase infection risk. Teniposide has been described as a P-glycoprotein substrate or modulator, but a clinically meaningful change in irinotecan exposure is not established.
How serious is the interaction between Irinotecan and Teniposide?
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 complete blood counts closely, particularly neutrophils, and watch for diarrhea. Reduce doses or delay cycles if severe myelosuppression develops.
What other medicines interact with Irinotecan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Irinotecan with, for example, Clozapine, Sacituzumab govitecan, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live. The full list is on the Irinotecan page.
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