Drug interactions
Ondansetron + Sunitinib
Severity: Major
Ondansetron and Sunitinib: 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
Sunitinib can prolong the QT interval and has been associated with torsades de pointes, and ondansetron adds a similar effect. Combined use may increase the risk of serious arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ondansetron and Sunitinib 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.
Ondansetron belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Sunitinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of cardiac repolarization; sunitinib is also a CYP3A4 substrate.
What to do
Obtain baseline and follow-up ECGs and correct potassium, magnesium and calcium. Consider a less QT-prolonging antiemetic when other risk factors exist.
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 Ondansetron
- Apomorphine + Ondansetron Contraindicated
- Ondansetron + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ondansetron + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Ondansetron Major
- Amiodarone + Ondansetron Major
- Amisulpride + Ondansetron Major
Other interactions of Sunitinib
- Adagrasib + Sunitinib Major
- Amiodarone + Sunitinib Major
- Amisulpride + Sunitinib Major
- Anagrelide + Sunitinib Major
- Apalutamide + Sunitinib Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Sunitinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ondansetron with Sunitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ondansetron and Sunitinib 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. Sunitinib can prolong the QT interval and has been associated with torsades de pointes, and ondansetron adds a similar effect. Combined use may increase the risk of serious arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Ondansetron and Sunitinib?
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 baseline and follow-up ECGs and correct potassium, magnesium and calcium. Consider a less QT-prolonging antiemetic when other risk factors exist.
What other medicines interact with Ondansetron?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ondansetron with, for example, Apomorphine, Thioridazine, Vandetanib. The full list is on the Ondansetron page.
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