Drug interactions
Artemether + Perphenazine
Severity: Major
Artemether and Perphenazine: 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
Artemether, usually given with lumefantrine, can prolong the QT interval, and perphenazine may also prolong it. The combination raises the risk of torsades de pointes, especially with electrolyte disturbances or other QT-prolonging drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether and Perphenazine 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 prolongation of cardiac repolarisation; perphenazine is also a CYP2D6 substrate and lumefantrine inhibits CYP2D6.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise obtain an ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before and during treatment. Choose an alternative antimalarial or antipsychotic if QT risk is high.
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 Perphenazine
- Ibutilide + Perphenazine Contraindicated
- Perphenazine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Perphenazine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Perphenazine Major
- Alfentanil + Perphenazine Major
- Amiodarone + Perphenazine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether with Perphenazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Artemether and Perphenazine 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, usually given with lumefantrine, can prolong the QT interval, and perphenazine may also prolong it. The combination raises the risk of torsades de pointes, especially with electrolyte disturbances or other QT-prolonging drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether and Perphenazine?
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; otherwise obtain an ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before and during treatment. Choose an alternative antimalarial or antipsychotic if QT risk is high.
What other medicines interact with Perphenazine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Perphenazine with, for example, Ibutilide, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Perphenazine page.
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