Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Lithium
Severity: Moderate
Amiodarone and Lithium: moderate 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
Lithium can cause QT prolongation, sinus node dysfunction and bradycardia, and amiodarone shares these effects. The combination may raise arrhythmia risk, and amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction may also alter lithium effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Lithium can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Amiodarone belongs to Cardiovascular; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive effects on cardiac conduction and repolarization; thyroid effects of both drugs may add.
What to do
Monitor ECG, heart rate, serum lithium and thyroid function. Correct electrolytes and reassess if bradycardia or QT prolongation develops.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amiodarone with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amiodarone and Lithium can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Lithium can cause QT prolongation, sinus node dysfunction and bradycardia, and amiodarone shares these effects. The combination may raise arrhythmia risk, and amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction may also alter lithium effects.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor ECG, heart rate, serum lithium and thyroid function. Correct electrolytes and reassess if bradycardia or QT prolongation develops.
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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