Drug interactions
Artemether + Mefloquine
Severity: Major
Artemether and Mefloquine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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, so combined use may increase the risk of torsades de pointes. Artemether-lumefantrine labeling also advises against its use soon after mefloquine because of reduced lumefantrine exposure and added cardiac risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether and Mefloquine 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 pharmacodynamic QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid giving mefloquine with or shortly before artemether-lumefantrine. If unavoidable, monitor ECG and electrolytes and observe closely for treatment failure.
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
Other interactions of Mefloquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether with Mefloquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Artemether and Mefloquine 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, so combined use may increase the risk of torsades de pointes. Artemether-lumefantrine labeling also advises against its use soon after mefloquine because of reduced lumefantrine exposure and added cardiac risk.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether and Mefloquine?
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 giving mefloquine with or shortly before artemether-lumefantrine. If unavoidable, monitor ECG and electrolytes and observe closely for treatment failure.
What other medicines interact with Mefloquine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Mefloquine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dronedarone, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Mefloquine page.
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