Drug interactions
Artemether + Fluconazole
Severity: Major
Artemether and Fluconazole: 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 drugs can prolong the QT interval, and fluconazole may also raise artemether exposure through CYP3A4 inhibition. Together they raise the risk of torsades de pointes, particularly with electrolyte disturbances or other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether and Fluconazole 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 QT prolongation plus fluconazole inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated artemether metabolism.
What to do
Avoid the combination where an alternative antifungal or antimalarial exists. If unavoidable, obtain a baseline and follow-up 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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Artemether and Fluconazole, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Fluconazole
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Fluconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Fluconazole Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Fluconazole Contraindicated
- Domperidone + Fluconazole Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Fluconazole Contraindicated
- Erythromycin + Fluconazole Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether with Fluconazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Artemether and Fluconazole 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 drugs can prolong the QT interval, and fluconazole may also raise artemether exposure through CYP3A4 inhibition. Together they raise the risk of torsades de pointes, particularly with electrolyte disturbances or other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether and Fluconazole?
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 an alternative antifungal or antimalarial exists. If unavoidable, obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
What other medicines interact with Fluconazole?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fluconazole with, for example, Dihydroergotamine intranasal, Dihydroergotamine, Dofetilide. The full list is on the Fluconazole page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
