Drug interactions
Artemether / lumefantrine + Ziprasidone
Severity: Major
Artemether / lumefantrine and Ziprasidone: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 ziprasidone is itself associated with QT prolongation. Combined use increases the risk of torsades de pointes, and lumefantrine's long half-life extends the period of risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether / lumefantrine and Ziprasidone 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 QTc prolongation.
What to do
Avoid the combination; if treatment of malaria is essential, hold ziprasidone or monitor ECG and electrolytes closely.
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
Other interactions of Ziprasidone
- Amiodarone + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Bedaquiline + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether / lumefantrine with Ziprasidone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Artemether / lumefantrine and Ziprasidone 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. Artemether/lumefantrine can prolong the QT interval, and ziprasidone is itself associated with QT prolongation. Combined use increases the risk of torsades de pointes, and lumefantrine's long half-life extends the period of risk.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether / lumefantrine and Ziprasidone?
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; if treatment of malaria is essential, hold ziprasidone or monitor ECG and electrolytes closely.
What other medicines interact with Ziprasidone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ziprasidone with, for example, Amiodarone, Amitriptyline, Arsenic trioxide. The full list is on the Ziprasidone page.
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