Drug interactions
Artemether / lumefantrine + Lithium
Severity: Moderate
Artemether / lumefantrine and Lithium: 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
Artemether/lumefantrine can prolong the QT interval, and lithium may contribute to QT effects. The combination raises concern for torsades de pointes, particularly with electrolyte disturbances or other QT-prolonging drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether / lumefantrine and Lithium 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
Additive effects on cardiac repolarization causing QT prolongation.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before treatment where feasible. Monitor ECG and lithium levels, and counsel patients to report palpitations or fainting.
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 Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether / lumefantrine with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Artemether / lumefantrine and Lithium 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. Artemether/lumefantrine can prolong the QT interval, and lithium may contribute to QT effects. The combination raises concern for torsades de pointes, particularly with electrolyte disturbances or other QT-prolonging drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether / lumefantrine and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before treatment where feasible. Monitor ECG and lithium levels, and counsel patients to report palpitations or fainting.
What other medicines interact with Lithium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lithium with, for example, Thioridazine, Vandetanib, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Lithium page.
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