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Drug interactions

Levofloxacin + Nilotinib

Severity: Major

Levofloxacin and Nilotinib: major 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

Nilotinib carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation and sudden death, and adding levofloxacin further increases the risk of torsades de pointes. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia increase the danger.

What this interaction means in plain words

Levofloxacin and Nilotinib can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.

Levofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Nilotinib belongs to Oncology.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive blockade of cardiac potassium channels prolonging ventricular repolarization.

What to do

Avoid the combination and choose a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic. If unavoidable, obtain a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes and monitor the QTc closely.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
  • Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
  • What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Levofloxacin with Nilotinib?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Levofloxacin and Nilotinib can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Nilotinib carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation and sudden death, and adding levofloxacin further increases the risk of torsades de pointes. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia increase the danger.

How serious is the interaction between Levofloxacin and Nilotinib?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination and choose a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic. If unavoidable, obtain a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes and monitor the QTc closely.

What other medicines interact with Levofloxacin?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Levofloxacin with, for example, Dronedarone, Ibutilide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Levofloxacin page.

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