Drug interactions
Arsenic trioxide + Telavancin
Severity: Major
Arsenic trioxide and Telavancin: 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 agents prolong the QTc interval, and arsenic trioxide carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Adding telavancin increases the risk of life-threatening arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Arsenic trioxide and Telavancin 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.
Arsenic trioxide belongs to Oncology; Telavancin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through pharmacodynamic effects.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and choose a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic; if unavoidable, monitor ECG frequently and keep potassium and magnesium within normal range.
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 Telavancin
- Telavancin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Telavancin Major
- Amiodarone + Telavancin Major
- Amisulpride + Telavancin Major
- Anagrelide + Telavancin Major
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Telavancin Major
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Arsenic trioxide with Telavancin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Arsenic trioxide and Telavancin 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 agents prolong the QTc interval, and arsenic trioxide carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Adding telavancin increases the risk of life-threatening arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Arsenic trioxide and Telavancin?
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 and choose a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic; if unavoidable, monitor ECG frequently and keep potassium and magnesium within normal range.
What other medicines interact with Telavancin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Telavancin with, for example, Thioridazine, Adagrasib, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Telavancin page.
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