Drug interactions
Artemether / lumefantrine + Dextromethorphan
Severity: Moderate
Artemether / lumefantrine and Dextromethorphan: 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
Lumefantrine inhibits CYP2D6, the main enzyme that converts dextromethorphan to dextrorphan. Dextromethorphan exposure may therefore rise, increasing the chance of dizziness, drowsiness or other dose-related adverse effects. The effect is likely modest at antitussive doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether / lumefantrine and Dextromethorphan 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
Inhibition of CYP2D6-mediated metabolism of dextromethorphan by lumefantrine.
What to do
Use the lowest effective dextromethorphan dose and monitor for CNS adverse effects. Avoid higher or repeated doses during the antimalarial course.
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 Dextromethorphan
- Dextromethorphan + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether / lumefantrine with Dextromethorphan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Artemether / lumefantrine and Dextromethorphan 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. Lumefantrine inhibits CYP2D6, the main enzyme that converts dextromethorphan to dextrorphan. Dextromethorphan exposure may therefore rise, increasing the chance of dizziness, drowsiness or other dose-related adverse effects. The effect is likely modest at antitussive doses.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether / lumefantrine and Dextromethorphan?
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 the lowest effective dextromethorphan dose and monitor for CNS adverse effects. Avoid higher or repeated doses during the antimalarial course.
What other medicines interact with Dextromethorphan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dextromethorphan with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Dextromethorphan page.
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