Drug interactions
Nilotinib + Zafirlukast
Severity: Major
Nilotinib and Zafirlukast: 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 is a CYP3A4 substrate with dose-related QT prolongation risk. Zafirlukast may raise nilotinib levels and therefore increase the risk of QT prolongation and arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nilotinib and Zafirlukast 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; Zafirlukast belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated nilotinib metabolism by zafirlukast, increasing exposure and QT risk.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor the QT interval, potassium and magnesium. Consider an alternative to zafirlukast, or reduce the nilotinib dose if QT prolongation develops.
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 Zafirlukast
- Pimozide + Zafirlukast Contraindicated
- Lomitapide + Zafirlukast Major
- Warfarin + Zafirlukast Major
- Apalutamide + Zafirlukast Moderate
- Carbamazepine + Zafirlukast Moderate
- Conivaptan + Zafirlukast Moderate
Other interactions of Nilotinib
- Amiodarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Nilotinib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nilotinib with Zafirlukast?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Nilotinib and Zafirlukast 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 is a CYP3A4 substrate with dose-related QT prolongation risk. Zafirlukast may raise nilotinib levels and therefore increase the risk of QT prolongation and arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Nilotinib and Zafirlukast?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor the QT interval, potassium and magnesium. Consider an alternative to zafirlukast, or reduce the nilotinib dose if QT prolongation develops.
What other medicines interact with Zafirlukast?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zafirlukast with, for example, Pimozide, Lomitapide, Warfarin. The full list is on the Zafirlukast page.
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