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Drug interactions

Nilotinib + Promethazine

Severity: Major

Nilotinib and Promethazine: 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

Nilotinib carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation and sudden death, and promethazine may add to this risk. Combination can increase the chance of torsades de pointes.

What this interaction means in plain words

Nilotinib and Promethazine 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.

Nilotinib belongs to Oncology; Promethazine belongs to Respiratory.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive QT prolongation, with nilotinib being a high-risk QT agent.

What to do

Avoid combining; use a non-QT-prolonging antiemetic or antihistamine. If unavoidable, monitor ECG and electrolytes closely.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Nilotinib with Promethazine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Nilotinib and Promethazine 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. Nilotinib carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation and sudden death, and promethazine may add to this risk. Combination can increase the chance of torsades de pointes.

How serious is the interaction between Nilotinib and Promethazine?

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 combining; use a non-QT-prolonging antiemetic or antihistamine. If unavoidable, monitor ECG and electrolytes closely.

What other medicines interact with Promethazine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Promethazine with, for example, Ibutilide, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Promethazine page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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