Drug interactions
Artemether / lumefantrine + Haloperidol
Severity: Major
Artemether / lumefantrine and Haloperidol: 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 haloperidol adds to this, increasing the risk of torsades de pointes. Artemether/lumefantrine may also inhibit CYP2D6, raising haloperidol levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether / lumefantrine and Haloperidol 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 QT prolongation, with lumefantrine inhibition of CYP2D6 raising haloperidol exposure.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible, and consider another antimalarial or antipsychotic. If it is unavoidable, obtain an ECG and correct electrolytes before and during treatment.
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
- HALDOL 2 mg/ml oral solution - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: Certain antimalarials; "Certain antimalarials (e.g. halofantrine).") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Haloperidol
- Dofetilide + Haloperidol Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Haloperidol Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Panobinostat Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether / lumefantrine with Haloperidol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Artemether / lumefantrine and Haloperidol 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 haloperidol adds to this, increasing the risk of torsades de pointes. Artemether/lumefantrine may also inhibit CYP2D6, raising haloperidol levels.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether / lumefantrine and Haloperidol?
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 possible, and consider another antimalarial or antipsychotic. If it is unavoidable, obtain an ECG and correct electrolytes before and during treatment.
What other medicines interact with Haloperidol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Haloperidol with, for example, Dofetilide, Dronedarone, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Haloperidol page.
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