Drug Interaction Report

Taking the nilotinib and dihydroxyaluminum sodium carbonate doses too close together may interfere with the absorption of nilotinib and reduce its effectiveness. To prevent or minimize the interaction, nilotinib and dihydroxyaluminum sodium carbonate dosing should be separated by at least two hours. Contact your doctor if your condition worsens. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Citrate, or citric acid, can increase the absorption of dihydroxyaluminum sodium carbonate. This may lead to elevated blood levels of aluminum, particularly in individuals with reduced kidney function, since aluminum is primarily eliminated by the kidneys. Excess aluminum may deposit and cause problems in various tissues including bone, brain, heart, liver, muscles, and spleen. Over time, weak bones, bone pain, fractures, skeletal deformity, brain disorders, and anemia may develop. Talk to your doctor before using dihydroxyaluminum sodium carbonate if you have kidney impairment or are on hemodialysis. You should avoid or limit the consumption of citrate-containing foods and beverages (e.G., soft drinks, citrus fruits, fruit juices) during treatment with dihydroxyaluminum sodium carbonate. Be aware that some effervescent and dispersible drug formulations may also contain citrate and should be restricted as well. Even if you do not have kidney problems, it may be best to separate the dosing of dihydroxyaluminum sodium carbonate and citrate-containing products by 2 to 3 hours. Talk to a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

When dihydroxyaluminum sodium carbonate is taken during enteral nutrition therapy (tube feeding), the tube may get clogged. Therefore, dihydroxyaluminum sodium carbonate should not be mixed with or given after high-protein tube feedings. The dose should be separated from the feeding by as much as possible, and the tube should be thoroughly flushed before administration of the dose.

Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with nilotinib unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of nilotinib to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with nilotinib. Food may also increase the blood levels of nilotinib. Therefore, you should take nilotinib on an empty stomach, meaning no food should be eaten for at least two hours before or one hour after taking nilotinib. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.