Drug interactions
Artemether / lumefantrine + Sildenafil
Severity: Minor
Artemether / lumefantrine and Sildenafil: 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
Artemether has weak-to-moderate CYP3A4 inducing activity with repeated dosing, which could lower sildenafil exposure and reduce its efficacy. The effect is probably modest and temporary during a short antimalarial course.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether / lumefantrine and Sildenafil 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
Induction of CYP3A4 by artemether increases sildenafil metabolism.
What to do
No routine dose change is needed. If sildenafil seems less effective during the antimalarial course, reassess after the course finishes rather than escalating the dose.
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 Sildenafil
- Amyl nitrite + Sildenafil Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Sildenafil Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Sildenafil Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Sildenafil Contraindicated
- Glyceryl trinitrate pr + Sildenafil Contraindicated
- Isosorbide dinitrate + Sildenafil Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether / lumefantrine with Sildenafil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Artemether / lumefantrine and Sildenafil have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Artemether has weak-to-moderate CYP3A4 inducing activity with repeated dosing, which could lower sildenafil exposure and reduce its efficacy. The effect is probably modest and temporary during a short antimalarial course.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether / lumefantrine and Sildenafil?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine dose change is needed. If sildenafil seems less effective during the antimalarial course, reassess after the course finishes rather than escalating the dose.
What other medicines interact with Sildenafil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sildenafil with, for example, Amyl nitrite, Atazanavir, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Sildenafil page.
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