Drug interactions
Artemether / lumefantrine + Donepezil
Severity: Major
Artemether / lumefantrine and Donepezil: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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 can prolong the QT interval, and its labeling advises against co-use with other QT-prolonging drugs. Donepezil adds its own torsades risk, so the combination raises the likelihood of a serious ventricular arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether / lumefantrine and Donepezil 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; lumefantrine has a long half-life so the effect persists.
What to do
Avoid the combination if an alternative antimalarial exists, or temporarily withhold donepezil. If unavoidable, obtain an ECG and correct electrolytes and monitor 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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References
- Apozyl 10 mg Orodispersible Tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: other medicinal products known to prolong the QTc interval; "Caution is advised when donepezil is used in combination with other medicinal products known to prolong the QTc interval and clinical monitoring(ECG) may be req… — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Donepezil
- Donepezil + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Donepezil Major
- Amisulpride + Donepezil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether / lumefantrine with Donepezil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Artemether / lumefantrine and Donepezil 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 can prolong the QT interval, and its labeling advises against co-use with other QT-prolonging drugs. Donepezil adds its own torsades risk, so the combination raises the likelihood of a serious ventricular arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether / lumefantrine and Donepezil?
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 if an alternative antimalarial exists, or temporarily withhold donepezil. If unavoidable, obtain an ECG and correct electrolytes and monitor QTc.
What other medicines interact with Donepezil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Donepezil with, for example, Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Donepezil page.
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