Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Carbamazepine
Severity: Major
Amiodarone and Carbamazepine: 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
Carbamazepine induces CYP3A4 and can lower amiodarone and desethylamiodarone concentrations, risking loss of arrhythmia control. Amiodarone may also raise carbamazepine levels in some patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Carbamazepine 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.
Amiodarone belongs to Cardiovascular; Carbamazepine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Carbamazepine induces CYP3A4, increasing amiodarone clearance.
What to do
Avoid if possible. If combined, monitor for arrhythmia recurrence and carbamazepine concentrations, and adjust doses accordingly.
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
Other interactions of Carbamazepine
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Delamanid Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Dienogest / estradiol valerate Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amiodarone with Carbamazepine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amiodarone and Carbamazepine 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. Carbamazepine induces CYP3A4 and can lower amiodarone and desethylamiodarone concentrations, risking loss of arrhythmia control. Amiodarone may also raise carbamazepine levels in some patients.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Carbamazepine?
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 if possible. If combined, monitor for arrhythmia recurrence and carbamazepine concentrations, and adjust doses accordingly.
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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