Drug interactions
Artemether / lumefantrine + Promethazine
Severity: Major
Artemether / lumefantrine and Promethazine: major 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
The combination of promethazine and artemether/lumefantrine may lead to an increased risk of QTc interval prolongation, which can result in serious cardiac arrhythmias. Patients receiving both medications should be monitored closely for any signs of cardiac issues.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether / lumefantrine and Promethazine 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
Both drugs are known to influence cardiac repolarization, contributing to an increased QTc interval. This effect may be due to their actions on cardiac ion channels.
What to do
It is advisable to avoid using these medications together if possible. If co-administration is necessary, continuous ECG monitoring should be implemented to detect any significant changes in the QTc interval.
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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Other interactions of Promethazine
- Cabergoline + Promethazine Contraindicated
- Dopamine + Promethazine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Promethazine Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Promethazine Contraindicated
- Promethazine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Promethazine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether / lumefantrine with Promethazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Artemether / lumefantrine and Promethazine 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. The combination of promethazine and artemether/lumefantrine may lead to an increased risk of QTc interval prolongation, which can result in serious cardiac arrhythmias. Patients receiving both medications should be monitored closely for any signs of cardiac issues.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether / lumefantrine and Promethazine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: It is advisable to avoid using these medications together if possible. If co-administration is necessary, continuous ECG monitoring should be implemented to detect any significant changes in the QTc interval.
What other medicines interact with Promethazine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Promethazine with, for example, Cabergoline, Dopamine, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Promethazine page.
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