Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Artemether / lumefantrine
Severity: Major
Amiodarone and Artemether / lumefantrine: 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
Both amiodarone and artemether/lumefantrine prolong the QT interval, and the combination raises the risk of torsades de pointes. Labeling for artemether/lumefantrine warns against use with other QT-prolonging drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Artemether / lumefantrine 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.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Avoid the combination and use an antimalarial without QT effect where possible. If unavoidable, monitor ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
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 Amiodarone
- Amiodarone + Amisulpride Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Eliglustat Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amiodarone with Artemether / lumefantrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amiodarone and Artemether / lumefantrine 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. Both amiodarone and artemether/lumefantrine prolong the QT interval, and the combination raises the risk of torsades de pointes. Labeling for artemether/lumefantrine warns against use with other QT-prolonging drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Artemether / lumefantrine?
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 the combination and use an antimalarial without QT effect where possible. If unavoidable, monitor ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
What other medicines interact with Amiodarone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Amiodarone with, for example, Amisulpride, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide. The full list is on the Amiodarone page.
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