Drug interactions
Artemether / lumefantrine + Colchicine
Severity: Minor
Artemether / lumefantrine and Colchicine: minor 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 may induce CYP3A4 and could lower colchicine exposure, reducing its effect. Lumefantrine and artemether are also CYP3A4 substrates with some inhibitory activity, so the net effect is uncertain.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether / lumefantrine and Colchicine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Possible CYP3A4 induction by artemether increasing colchicine metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for reduced colchicine efficacy during the short antimalarial course; no routine dose change is needed.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Colchicine
- Clarithromycin + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Cyclosporine Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Ensitrelvir Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Nirmatrelvir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether / lumefantrine with Colchicine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Artemether / lumefantrine and Colchicine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Artemether may induce CYP3A4 and could lower colchicine exposure, reducing its effect. Lumefantrine and artemether are also CYP3A4 substrates with some inhibitory activity, so the net effect is uncertain.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether / lumefantrine and Colchicine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for reduced colchicine efficacy during the short antimalarial course; no routine dose change is needed.
What other medicines interact with Colchicine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Colchicine with, for example, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat, Cyclosporine. The full list is on the Colchicine page.
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