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Drug interactions

Amiodarone + Fluvoxamine

Severity: Major

Amiodarone and Fluvoxamine: 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 drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use raises the risk of torsades de pointes. Fluvoxamine also inhibits CYP1A2, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4, which may raise amiodarone levels, and both can cause bradycardia.

What this interaction means in plain words

Amiodarone and Fluvoxamine 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; Fluvoxamine belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive QT prolongation, with possible fluvoxamine inhibition of amiodarone metabolism.

What to do

Obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG and keep potassium and magnesium normal. Consider an SSRI with less QT effect and less CYP inhibition, such as sertraline, if feasible.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Amiodarone with Fluvoxamine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amiodarone and Fluvoxamine 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 drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use raises the risk of torsades de pointes. Fluvoxamine also inhibits CYP1A2, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4, which may raise amiodarone levels, and both can cause bradycardia.

How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Fluvoxamine?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG and keep potassium and magnesium normal. Consider an SSRI with less QT effect and less CYP inhibition, such as sertraline, if feasible.

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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