Drug interactions
Bedaquiline + Donepezil
Severity: Major
Bedaquiline and Donepezil: 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
Bedaquiline carries a labeled warning for QT prolongation, and donepezil can also lengthen the QT interval and cause torsades. Using them together increases the risk of a dangerous arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bedaquiline and Donepezil 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.
Bedaquiline belongs to Anti Bacterial; Donepezil belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise obtain a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes and monitor ECGs periodically throughout bedaquiline therapy. Stop one agent if QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
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 Donepezil
- Donepezil + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Donepezil Major
- Amisulpride + Donepezil Major
Other interactions of Bedaquiline
- Bedaquiline + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Alfuzosin + Bedaquiline Major
- Amiodarone + Bedaquiline Major
- Amisulpride + Bedaquiline Major
- Amitriptyline + Bedaquiline Major
- Amobarbital + Bedaquiline Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bedaquiline with Donepezil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bedaquiline and Donepezil 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. Bedaquiline carries a labeled warning for QT prolongation, and donepezil can also lengthen the QT interval and cause torsades. Using them together increases the risk of a dangerous arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Bedaquiline and Donepezil?
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 if possible; otherwise obtain a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes and monitor ECGs periodically throughout bedaquiline therapy. Stop one agent if QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
What other medicines interact with Donepezil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Donepezil with, for example, Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Donepezil page.
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