Drug interactions
Artemether / lumefantrine + Dolasetron
Severity: Major
Artemether / lumefantrine and Dolasetron: 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
Both dolasetron and lumefantrine can prolong the QT interval, so combined use may add to the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is higher with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia or underlying heart disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether / lumefantrine and Dolasetron 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 prolongation of cardiac repolarization through hERG potassium channel blockade (dolasetron's active metabolite hydrodolasetron and lumefantrine).
What to do
Use an alternative antiemetic such as one with less QT effect if possible; otherwise obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor the QTc.
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 Dolasetron
- Apomorphine + Dolasetron Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Dolasetron Contraindicated
- Dolasetron + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Dolasetron + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Dolasetron + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Dolasetron + Vandetanib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether / lumefantrine with Dolasetron?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Artemether / lumefantrine and Dolasetron 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. Both dolasetron and lumefantrine can prolong the QT interval, so combined use may add to the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is higher with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia or underlying heart disease.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether / lumefantrine and Dolasetron?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use an alternative antiemetic such as one with less QT effect if possible; otherwise obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor the QTc.
What other medicines interact with Dolasetron?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dolasetron with, for example, Apomorphine, Dofetilide, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Dolasetron page.
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