Drug interactions
Lapatinib + Lithium
Severity: Moderate
Lapatinib and Lithium: 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
Lapatinib prolongs the QT interval in some patients. Lithium may add to repolarization effects, especially with toxicity or electrolyte disturbances, raising arrhythmia risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lapatinib and Lithium 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.
Lapatinib belongs to Oncology; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive effects on cardiac repolarization (QT prolongation).
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor ECG and electrolytes during treatment. Correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia before and during therapy.
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 Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Other interactions of Lapatinib
- Dofetilide + Lapatinib Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Lapatinib Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Lapatinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lapatinib with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Lapatinib and Lithium 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. Lapatinib prolongs the QT interval in some patients. Lithium may add to repolarization effects, especially with toxicity or electrolyte disturbances, raising arrhythmia risk.
How serious is the interaction between Lapatinib and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor ECG and electrolytes during treatment. Correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia before and during therapy.
What other medicines interact with Lithium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lithium with, for example, Thioridazine, Vandetanib, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Lithium page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
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