Drug interactions
Artemether / lumefantrine + Trazodone
Severity: Major
Artemether / lumefantrine and Trazodone: 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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use may raise the risk of torsades de pointes and other serious ventricular arrhythmias. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia or existing heart disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether / lumefantrine and Trazodone 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 blockade of cardiac repolarizing potassium channels leading to QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and consider an alternative antimalarial or antidepressant. If unavoidable, obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor the QTc.
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
- Trazodone 50mg Capsules - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: drugs known to prolong the QT interval; "Concomitant use of Molipaxin/Trazodone with drugs known to prolong the QT interval may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias, including torsade de pointe") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Trazodone
- Arsenic trioxide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Trazodone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether / lumefantrine with Trazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Artemether / lumefantrine and Trazodone 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. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use may raise the risk of torsades de pointes and other serious ventricular arrhythmias. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia or existing heart disease.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether / lumefantrine and Trazodone?
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 where possible and consider an alternative antimalarial or antidepressant. If unavoidable, obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor the QTc.
What other medicines interact with Trazodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Trazodone with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Ibutilide, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Trazodone page.
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