Abametapir and Nilotinib: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · AI content regenerated Jul 11, 2026 · Source data updated Jun 30, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Abametapir
No brand names on recordNilotinib
No brand names on record
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
Abametapir is a lotion used to treat head lice. Even though you put it on your scalp, a little gets into your body and can briefly slow down a liver enzyme (called CYP3A4) that helps break down other medicines. Nilotinib is a cancer medicine that this same enzyme clears from your body.
When the enzyme is slowed, nilotinib can build up to higher levels than usual. That matters because higher nilotinib levels can raise the risk of side effects, including effects on your heart rhythm. This concern is based on how the drugs work rather than reports in people, but it is taken seriously. The good news is your care team can plan the timing so both are handled safely.
Mechanism: Abametapir inhibits CYP3A4. Nilotinib is a CYP3A4 substrate (not a prodrug), so inhibition reduces its clearance and increases exposure (AUC/Cmax).
- Direction: Increased nilotinib exposure, greater risk of dose-related toxicity including QT prolongation and myelosuppression.
- Onset: Rapid; enzyme inhibition can persist for up to ~2 weeks after a single topical application.
- Evidence: Theoretical, based on abametapir's known CYP3A4 inhibition.
- Severity: Major.
Management: Avoid CYP3A4 substrates such as nilotinib within 2 weeks after abametapir application. If concurrent use is unavoidable, avoid abametapir. Coordinate timing and monitoring (QTc, CBC) with the care team.
What happens
Increased exposure of CYP3A4 substrate
Interaction Deep Dive
For a period of 2 weeks following abametapir application, refrain from administering CYP3A4 substrates. Should avoiding these substrates not be practical, then abametapir itself should not be used 1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism by abametapir
How to manage this interaction
Both of these can be handled safely with a little planning. The key issue is timing, because abametapir's effect on the clearing enzyme can last for about 2 weeks after you apply it.
- Do not stop or change either medicine on your own. Nilotinib is an important cancer treatment.
- Tell your pharmacist or oncologist before using any lice treatment, and mention abametapir specifically.
- Your team will usually avoid using abametapir during nilotinib treatment, or space things so the lice treatment is not used while nilotinib is active.
- Ask about safer lice-treatment options.
- Report any dizziness, fainting, palpitations, or unusual tiredness.
Management is individual — confirm any change with your pharmacist or prescriber.
Common questions
Can I take Abametapir and Nilotinib together?
Abametapir can slow the breakdown of nilotinib, raising nilotinib levels and side-effect risk for up to two weeks after use. Do not use both without talking to your pharmacist or oncologist, who will usually avoid abametapir or choose a different lice treatment. Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Abametapir and Nilotinib interaction?
It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "rapid". Effects can appear quickly, often within about 24 hours of combining the drugs.
How is the Abametapir and Nilotinib interaction managed?
Both of these can be handled safely with a little planning. The key issue is timing, because abametapir's effect on the clearing enzyme can last for about 2 weeks after you apply it. Do not stop or change either medicine on your own. Nilotinib is an important cancer treatment. Tell your pharmacist or oncologist before using any lice treatment, and mention abametapir specifically. Your team will us… Management is individual — always follow your own care team's guidance.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Abametapir or Nilotinib need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (1)
- Product Information: XEGLYZE(TM) topical lotion, abametapir topical lotion. Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Inc (per FDA), Princeton, NJ, 2020. DailyMed
Keep reading about Abametapir
Keep reading about Nilotinib
These medications also interact with supplements
Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:
major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.
Check another combination
Our instant two-drug interaction checker is almost here.
Still have questions about this combination?
Every question gets a real answer from a licensed pharmacist — free, and usually within a day.
Ask the pharmacist