Drug interactions
Artemether / lumefantrine + Cimetidine
Severity: Moderate
Artemether / lumefantrine and Cimetidine: 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
Cimetidine is a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor and may increase artemether and lumefantrine exposure. Lumefantrine can prolong the QT interval, so the combination warrants attention.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether / lumefantrine and Cimetidine 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
Cimetidine inhibits CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of artemether and lumefantrine.
What to do
Use only for a short course and monitor for QT prolongation symptoms, with ECG if other risk factors exist.
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 Cimetidine
- Cimetidine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Cimetidine + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Cimetidine Major
- Atazanavir + Cimetidine Major
- Carmustine + Cimetidine Major
- Cimetidine + Citalopram Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether / lumefantrine with Cimetidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Artemether / lumefantrine and Cimetidine 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. Cimetidine is a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor and may increase artemether and lumefantrine exposure. Lumefantrine can prolong the QT interval, so the combination warrants attention.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether / lumefantrine and Cimetidine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use only for a short course and monitor for QT prolongation symptoms, with ECG if other risk factors exist.
What other medicines interact with Cimetidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cimetidine with, for example, Dofetilide, Fezolinetant, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Cimetidine page.
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