Drug interactions
Artemether + Lithium
Severity: Moderate
Artemether and Lithium: 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 lithium has been associated with QT changes and arrhythmia. Combined use may increase the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether and Lithium 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 effects on cardiac repolarization causing QT prolongation.
What to do
Obtain an ECG and check electrolytes before treatment if other risk factors are present. Monitor for palpitations or syncope and correct hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia.
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 Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Artemether and Lithium 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 lithium has been associated with QT changes and arrhythmia. Combined use may increase the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether and Lithium?
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 an ECG and check electrolytes before treatment if other risk factors are present. Monitor for palpitations or syncope and correct hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia.
What other medicines interact with Lithium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lithium with, for example, Thioridazine, Vandetanib, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Lithium page.
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