Drug interactions
Amphotericin b + Arsenic trioxide
Severity: Major
Amphotericin b and Arsenic trioxide: 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
Amphotericin B can cause hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, which raise the risk of QT prolongation and torsade de pointes with arsenic trioxide.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amphotericin b and Arsenic trioxide 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.
Amphotericin b belongs to Anti Fungals; Arsenic trioxide belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Amphotericin-induced electrolyte loss adds to the QT-prolonging effect of arsenic trioxide.
What to do
Correct potassium and magnesium before and during therapy and monitor ECG and electrolytes frequently; avoid the combination if alternatives exist.
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 Arsenic trioxide
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Clomipramine Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Fluphenazine Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Gemifloxacin Contraindicated
Other interactions of Amphotericin b
- Amphotericin b + Cidofovir Contraindicated
- Adefovir + Amphotericin b Major
- Amikacin + Amphotericin b Major
- Amphotericin b + Capreomycin Major
- Amphotericin b + Cephaloridine Major
- Amphotericin b + Cisplatin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amphotericin b with Arsenic trioxide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amphotericin b and Arsenic trioxide 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. Amphotericin B can cause hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, which raise the risk of QT prolongation and torsade de pointes with arsenic trioxide.
How serious is the interaction between Amphotericin b and Arsenic trioxide?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Correct potassium and magnesium before and during therapy and monitor ECG and electrolytes frequently; avoid the combination if alternatives exist.
What other medicines interact with Arsenic trioxide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Arsenic trioxide with, for example, Amiodarone, Amisulpride, Clomipramine. The full list is on the Arsenic trioxide page.
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