Drug interactions
Artemether + Buprenorphine
Severity: Moderate
Artemether and Buprenorphine: 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
Artemether can prolong the QT interval, and buprenorphine has a modest QT effect. Together they may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether and Buprenorphine 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.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc during antimalarial treatment, correcting electrolytes. Consider alternatives if other QT-prolonging drugs are present.
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 Buprenorphine
- Alvimopan + Buprenorphine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether with Buprenorphine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Artemether and Buprenorphine 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. Artemether can prolong the QT interval, and buprenorphine has a modest QT effect. Together they may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether and Buprenorphine?
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 antimalarial treatment, correcting electrolytes. Consider alternatives if other QT-prolonging drugs are present.
What other medicines interact with Buprenorphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Buprenorphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Buprenorphine page.
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