Drug interactions
Artemether + Trazodone
Severity: Major
Artemether and Trazodone: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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-lumefantrine can prolong the QT interval, and trazodone may add to this effect. The risk is higher with electrolyte disturbances or other QT-prolonging drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether and Trazodone 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 the combination if possible, or obtain an ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before treatment. Consider withholding trazodone during the antimalarial course.
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
- Trazodone 50mg Capsules - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: drugs known to prolong the QT interval; "Concomitant use of Molipaxin/Trazodone with drugs known to prolong the QT interval may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias, including torsade de pointe") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Trazodone
- Arsenic trioxide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Trazodone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether with Trazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Artemether and Trazodone 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-lumefantrine can prolong the QT interval, and trazodone may add to this effect. The risk is higher with electrolyte disturbances or other QT-prolonging drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether and Trazodone?
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 if possible, or obtain an ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before treatment. Consider withholding trazodone during the antimalarial course.
What other medicines interact with Trazodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Trazodone with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Ibutilide, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Trazodone page.
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