Drug interactions
Artemether / lumefantrine + Hydrocodone
Severity: Minor
Artemether / lumefantrine and Hydrocodone: minor 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 is a CYP2D6 inhibitor and artemether can affect CYP3A4, so hydrocodone exposure and conversion to hydromorphone may change. Hydrocodone is mostly cleared through CYP3A4, so the net clinical effect is likely modest and short-lived given the brief treatment course.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether / lumefantrine and Hydrocodone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP2D6 by lumefantrine alters formation of hydromorphone from hydrocodone.
What to do
Monitor for changes in analgesic effect or sedation during the antimalarial course. Adjust the hydrocodone dose only if clinically needed.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Hydrocodone
- Alvimopan + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydrocodone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether / lumefantrine with Hydrocodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Artemether / lumefantrine and Hydrocodone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Lumefantrine is a CYP2D6 inhibitor and artemether can affect CYP3A4, so hydrocodone exposure and conversion to hydromorphone may change. Hydrocodone is mostly cleared through CYP3A4, so the net clinical effect is likely modest and short-lived given the brief treatment course.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether / lumefantrine and Hydrocodone?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for changes in analgesic effect or sedation during the antimalarial course. Adjust the hydrocodone dose only if clinically needed.
What other medicines interact with Hydrocodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrocodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Bupropion-naltrexone, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Hydrocodone page.
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