Drug interactions
Irinotecan + Valerian
Severity: Minor
Irinotecan and Valerian: 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
Valerian has been proposed to inhibit UGT1A1 or CYP3A4, which could raise SN-38 exposure. Clinical evidence is lacking and any effect is probably small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Irinotecan and Valerian have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Valerian constituents may inhibit UGT1A1 and CYP3A4 in vitro, potentially reducing SN-38 glucuronidation.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid herbal supplements during irinotecan therapy, and monitor for diarrhea and neutropenia if used.
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 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 Valerian?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Irinotecan and Valerian have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Valerian has been proposed to inhibit UGT1A1 or CYP3A4, which could raise SN-38 exposure. Clinical evidence is lacking and any effect is probably small.
How serious is the interaction between Irinotecan and Valerian?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid herbal supplements during irinotecan therapy, and monitor for diarrhea and neutropenia if used.
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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