Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Olanzapine
Severity: Moderate
Amiodarone and Olanzapine: 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
Olanzapine has a relatively small effect on QT, but amiodarone is a strong QT-prolonging drug, so the combination can add to arrhythmia risk. The risk is higher with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia or heart disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Olanzapine 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; Olanzapine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc during co-therapy. Correct electrolytes and review for other QT-prolonging drugs.
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 Olanzapine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amiodarone with Olanzapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amiodarone and Olanzapine 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. Olanzapine has a relatively small effect on QT, but amiodarone is a strong QT-prolonging drug, so the combination can add to arrhythmia risk. The risk is higher with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia or heart disease.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Olanzapine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc during co-therapy. Correct electrolytes and review for other QT-prolonging drugs.
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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