Drug interactions
Methadone + Oxaliplatin
Severity: Major
Methadone and Oxaliplatin: 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
Oxaliplatin has been associated with QT prolongation and electrolyte disturbances, and methadone also prolongs the QTc interval. Combined use may raise the risk of torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methadone and Oxaliplatin 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.
Methadone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Oxaliplatin belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with chemotherapy-related electrolyte disturbances increasing susceptibility.
What to do
Check the ECG and potassium, magnesium and calcium before and during treatment. Correct deficits and consider an alternative analgesic if the QTc becomes prolonged.
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?
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Other interactions of Methadone
- Alvimopan + Methadone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Methadone Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Methadone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Methadone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
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 Methadone with Oxaliplatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Methadone and Oxaliplatin 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. Oxaliplatin has been associated with QT prolongation and electrolyte disturbances, and methadone also prolongs the QTc interval. Combined use may raise the risk of torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Methadone and Oxaliplatin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check the ECG and potassium, magnesium and calcium before and during treatment. Correct deficits and consider an alternative analgesic if the QTc becomes prolonged.
What other medicines interact with Methadone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methadone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Droperidol. The full list is on the Methadone page.
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