Drug interactions
Methadone + Vorinostat
Severity: Major
Methadone and Vorinostat: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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
Vorinostat has been associated with QT prolongation, and methadone is a recognized QT-prolonging drug. Combined use could increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methadone and Vorinostat 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; Vorinostat belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive effects on cardiac repolarization causing QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid if possible; if both are needed, obtain baseline and periodic ECGs and correct potassium and magnesium deficits.
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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References
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 Vorinostat
- Thioridazine + Vorinostat Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Vorinostat Major
- Amisulpride + Vorinostat Major
- Anagrelide + Vorinostat Major
- Asenapine + Vorinostat Major
- Chlorpromazine + Vorinostat Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methadone with Vorinostat?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Methadone and Vorinostat 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. Vorinostat has been associated with QT prolongation, and methadone is a recognized QT-prolonging drug. Combined use could increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
How serious is the interaction between Methadone and Vorinostat?
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 if possible; if both are needed, obtain baseline and periodic ECGs and correct potassium and magnesium deficits.
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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