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Drug interactions

Amiodarone + Foscarnet

Severity: Major

Amiodarone and Foscarnet: 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, and foscarnet also causes electrolyte disturbances such as hypocalcemia, hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia. Together they raise the risk of torsades de pointes.

What this interaction means in plain words

Amiodarone and Foscarnet 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; Foscarnet belongs to Anti Virals.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive QT prolongation, worsened by foscarnet-induced electrolyte depletion.

What to do

Avoid if possible. If necessary, monitor ECG and correct calcium, potassium and magnesium regularly.

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 Foscarnet?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amiodarone and Foscarnet 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, and foscarnet also causes electrolyte disturbances such as hypocalcemia, hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia. Together they raise the risk of torsades de pointes.

How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Foscarnet?

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 necessary, monitor ECG and correct calcium, potassium and magnesium regularly.

What other medicines interact with Foscarnet?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Foscarnet with, for example, Cidofovir, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Foscarnet page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

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