Drug interactions
Artemether / lumefantrine + Duloxetine
Severity: Moderate
Artemether / lumefantrine and Duloxetine: 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, which is one of the pathways metabolizing duloxetine, so duloxetine exposure may increase. Duloxetine is also metabolized by CYP1A2, so the effect is expected to be modest, but both drugs have some cardiac liability.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether / lumefantrine and Duloxetine 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 duloxetine metabolism by lumefantrine.
What to do
Monitor for duloxetine adverse effects such as nausea, dizziness and blood pressure changes during the short antimalarial course. Check ECG if other QT-prolonging drugs are used.
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 Duloxetine
- Duloxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether / lumefantrine with Duloxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Artemether / lumefantrine and Duloxetine 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, which is one of the pathways metabolizing duloxetine, so duloxetine exposure may increase. Duloxetine is also metabolized by CYP1A2, so the effect is expected to be modest, but both drugs have some cardiac liability.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether / lumefantrine and Duloxetine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for duloxetine adverse effects such as nausea, dizziness and blood pressure changes during the short antimalarial course. Check ECG if other QT-prolonging drugs are used.
What other medicines interact with Duloxetine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Duloxetine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Duloxetine page.
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