Drug interactions
Artemether / lumefantrine + Asenapine
Severity: Major
Artemether / lumefantrine and Asenapine: major 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/lumefantrine prolongs the QT interval, and its labeling advises caution with other QT-prolonging drugs. Asenapine adds to this effect, raising the risk of torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether / lumefantrine and Asenapine 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 effects on cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, or defer the antipsychotic during the short antimalarial course. If unavoidable, obtain an ECG and monitor electrolytes.
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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Other interactions of Asenapine
- Asenapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Asenapine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Asenapine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Asenapine Major
- Alfentanil + Asenapine Major
- Alfuzosin + Asenapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether / lumefantrine with Asenapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Artemether / lumefantrine and Asenapine 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 prolongs the QT interval, and its labeling advises caution with other QT-prolonging drugs. Asenapine adds to this effect, raising the risk of torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether / lumefantrine and Asenapine?
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 where possible, or defer the antipsychotic during the short antimalarial course. If unavoidable, obtain an ECG and monitor electrolytes.
What other medicines interact with Asenapine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Asenapine with, for example, Pimozide, Thioridazine, Vandetanib. The full list is on the Asenapine page.
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