Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Donepezil
Severity: Major
Amiodarone and Donepezil: 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
Donepezil can prolong the QT interval and cause bradycardia, and amiodarone has similar effects. Combined use raises the risk of syncope and torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Donepezil 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; Donepezil belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation and bradycardia (pharmacodynamic).
What to do
Monitor ECG and heart rate, and correct electrolytes. Consider stopping donepezil if the QTc lengthens or bradycardia or syncope occurs.
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 Donepezil
- Donepezil + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Donepezil Major
- Amoxapine + Donepezil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amiodarone with Donepezil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amiodarone and Donepezil 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. Donepezil can prolong the QT interval and cause bradycardia, and amiodarone has similar effects. Combined use raises the risk of syncope and torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Donepezil?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor ECG and heart rate, and correct electrolytes. Consider stopping donepezil if the QTc lengthens or bradycardia or syncope occurs.
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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