Drug interactions
Artemether + Lapatinib
Severity: Major
Artemether and Lapatinib: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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 QTc interval, so concurrent use raises the risk of torsades de pointes. Artemether-lumefantrine labeling advises caution with QT-prolonging drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether and Lapatinib 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; lapatinib is also a CYP3A4 substrate, and artemether may modestly affect its metabolism.
What to do
Avoid if possible, or use an alternative antimalarial. If used together, obtain an ECG and correct electrolyte abnormalities.
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 Lapatinib, 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.
References
Other interactions of Lapatinib
- Dofetilide + Lapatinib Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Lapatinib Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Lapatinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether with Lapatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Artemether and Lapatinib 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 QTc interval, so concurrent use raises the risk of torsades de pointes. Artemether-lumefantrine labeling advises caution with QT-prolonging drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether and Lapatinib?
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 if possible, or use an alternative antimalarial. If used together, obtain an ECG and correct electrolyte abnormalities.
What other medicines interact with Lapatinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lapatinib with, for example, Dofetilide, Ibutilide, Pimozide. The full list is on the Lapatinib 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.
