Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Primaquine
Severity: Major
Amiodarone and Primaquine: 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
Primaquine can prolong the QT interval, and amiodarone strongly prolongs repolarization, so combined use raises the risk of torsades de pointes. Amiodarone's long half-life means the risk persists after it is stopped.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Primaquine 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; Primaquine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through effects on cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, using an alternative antimalarial if feasible. If it is unavoidable, monitor ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
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 Primaquine
- Pimozide + Primaquine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Primaquine Major
- Anagrelide + Primaquine Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Primaquine Major
- Asenapine + Primaquine Major
- Bedaquiline + Primaquine Major
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 Primaquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amiodarone and Primaquine 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. Primaquine can prolong the QT interval, and amiodarone strongly prolongs repolarization, so combined use raises the risk of torsades de pointes. Amiodarone's long half-life means the risk persists after it is stopped.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Primaquine?
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 where possible, using an alternative antimalarial if feasible. If it is unavoidable, monitor ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
What other medicines interact with Primaquine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Primaquine with, for example, Pimozide, Amisulpride, Anagrelide. The full list is on the Primaquine page.
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