Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Mefloquine
Severity: Major
Amiodarone and Mefloquine: 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 amiodarone carries a notable risk of torsades de pointes. Mefloquine may also cause bradycardia and conduction abnormalities, and amiodarone may raise mefloquine levels. The combination can lead to serious arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Mefloquine 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; Mefloquine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation and bradycardia, with possible pharmacokinetic increase in mefloquine exposure through CYP3A4 inhibition by amiodarone.
What to do
Avoid the combination and use another antimalarial for prophylaxis or treatment where possible. If both are essential, monitor the ECG, heart rate and electrolytes closely.
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 Mefloquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Amiodarone
- Amiodarone + Amisulpride Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Eliglustat Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amiodarone with Mefloquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amiodarone and Mefloquine 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 amiodarone carries a notable risk of torsades de pointes. Mefloquine may also cause bradycardia and conduction abnormalities, and amiodarone may raise mefloquine levels. The combination can lead to serious arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Mefloquine?
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 the combination and use another antimalarial for prophylaxis or treatment where possible. If both are essential, monitor the ECG, heart rate and electrolytes closely.
What other medicines interact with Mefloquine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Mefloquine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dronedarone, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Mefloquine page.
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