Drug interactions
Nifedipine + Tacrolimus
Severity: Moderate
Nifedipine and Tacrolimus: 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
Nifedipine can modestly increase tacrolimus blood levels, likely through CYP3A4 and intestinal P-glycoprotein effects. Higher tacrolimus levels raise the risk of nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Nifedipine is often used in transplant patients for hypertension, and gingival overgrowth or edema may add to problems.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nifedipine and Tacrolimus 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.
Nifedipine belongs to Cardiovascular; Tacrolimus belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Competitive CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein interaction reducing tacrolimus clearance.
What to do
Check tacrolimus trough levels and renal function when nifedipine is started, changed or stopped. Adjust the tacrolimus dose according to levels.
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 Nifedipine
Other interactions of Tacrolimus
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Cidofovir + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nifedipine with Tacrolimus?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Nifedipine and Tacrolimus 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. Nifedipine can modestly increase tacrolimus blood levels, likely through CYP3A4 and intestinal P-glycoprotein effects. Higher tacrolimus levels raise the risk of nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Nifedipine is often used in transplant patients for hypertension, and gingival overgrowth or edema may add to problems.
How serious is the interaction between Nifedipine and Tacrolimus?
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 tacrolimus trough levels and renal function when nifedipine is started, changed or stopped. Adjust the tacrolimus dose according to levels.
What other medicines interact with Nifedipine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nifedipine with, for example, Amifostine, Amlodipine-benazepril, Apalutamide. The full list is on the Nifedipine page.
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