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Drug interactions

Bedaquiline + Foscarnet

Severity: Major

Bedaquiline and Foscarnet: 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 QT prolongation warning and foscarnet can also prolong the QT interval and disturb electrolytes. Together the risk of torsades de pointes is increased.

What this interaction means in plain words

Bedaquiline and Foscarnet 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; Foscarnet belongs to Anti Virals.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive QT prolongation with foscarnet-induced electrolyte abnormalities.

What to do

Perform ECG at baseline and regularly during treatment, and keep potassium, magnesium and calcium within normal range. Stop or reassess if QTc becomes markedly prolonged or arrhythmia symptoms occur.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Bedaquiline with Foscarnet?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bedaquiline and Foscarnet 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 QT prolongation warning and foscarnet can also prolong the QT interval and disturb electrolytes. Together the risk of torsades de pointes is increased.

How serious is the interaction between Bedaquiline and Foscarnet?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Perform ECG at baseline and regularly during treatment, and keep potassium, magnesium and calcium within normal range. Stop or reassess if QTc becomes markedly prolonged or arrhythmia symptoms occur.

What other medicines interact with Foscarnet?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Foscarnet with, for example, Cidofovir, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Foscarnet page.

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