Drug interactions
Artemether + Donepezil
Severity: Major
Artemether and Donepezil: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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 donepezil has a known risk of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Together the arrhythmia risk is increased, particularly in patients with other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether and Donepezil 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.
Why it happens
Additive delay of cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Use an alternative antimalarial or hold donepezil during the short artemether course if feasible. If both are required, check a baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor QTc.
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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References
- Apozyl 10 mg Orodispersible Tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: other medicinal products known to prolong the QTc interval; "Caution is advised when donepezil is used in combination with other medicinal products known to prolong the QTc interval and clinical monitoring(ECG) may be req… — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Donepezil
- Donepezil + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Donepezil Major
- Amisulpride + Donepezil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether with Donepezil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Artemether and Donepezil 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. Artemether can prolong the QT interval, and donepezil has a known risk of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Together the arrhythmia risk is increased, particularly in patients with other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether and Donepezil?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use an alternative antimalarial or hold donepezil during the short artemether course if feasible. If both are required, check a baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor QTc.
What other medicines interact with Donepezil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Donepezil with, for example, Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Donepezil page.
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