Drug interactions
Lithium + Oxaliplatin
Severity: Moderate
Lithium and Oxaliplatin: 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
Oxaliplatin can prolong the QT interval and cause electrolyte losses, and lithium may contribute to repolarization changes. Oxaliplatin-related renal effects and dehydration may also raise lithium levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lithium and Oxaliplatin 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.
Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System; Oxaliplatin belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, plus possible reduced renal lithium clearance from platinum-related nephrotoxicity or volume depletion.
What to do
Check ECG, electrolytes and renal function before and during chemotherapy cycles. Monitor serum lithium levels and adjust the dose if renal function declines.
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 Oxaliplatin
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lithium with Oxaliplatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Lithium and Oxaliplatin 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. Oxaliplatin can prolong the QT interval and cause electrolyte losses, and lithium may contribute to repolarization changes. Oxaliplatin-related renal effects and dehydration may also raise lithium levels.
How serious is the interaction between Lithium and Oxaliplatin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check ECG, electrolytes and renal function before and during chemotherapy cycles. Monitor serum lithium levels and adjust the dose if renal function declines.
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.
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