Drug interactions
Nefazodone + Nicardipine
Severity: Major
Nefazodone and Nicardipine: 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
Nefazodone is a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor and can substantially increase nicardipine concentrations, risking marked hypotension, flushing and reflex tachycardia. Additive blood pressure lowering from nefazodone itself may compound this.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nefazodone and Nicardipine 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.
Why it happens
Nefazodone strongly inhibits CYP3A4, decreasing nicardipine metabolism.
What to do
Avoid if possible, or use a reduced nicardipine dose with close blood pressure and heart rate monitoring. Choose an antihypertensive that is not CYP3A4-dependent.
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 Nicardipine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nefazodone with Nicardipine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Nefazodone and Nicardipine 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. Nefazodone is a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor and can substantially increase nicardipine concentrations, risking marked hypotension, flushing and reflex tachycardia. Additive blood pressure lowering from nefazodone itself may compound this.
How serious is the interaction between Nefazodone and Nicardipine?
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, or use a reduced nicardipine dose with close blood pressure and heart rate monitoring. Choose an antihypertensive that is not CYP3A4-dependent.
What other medicines interact with Nicardipine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nicardipine with, for example, Amifostine, Amlodipine-olmesartan-hydrochlorothiazide, Betrixaban. The full list is on the Nicardipine page.
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