Drug interactions
Bedaquiline + Lithium
Severity: Major
Bedaquiline and Lithium: 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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use may produce additive prolongation and raise the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia or underlying cardiac disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bedaquiline and Lithium 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; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation through effects on cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and repeat it during co-therapy, and correct potassium, magnesium and calcium. Consider an alternative mood stabilizer or regimen if the QTc exceeds a safe threshold.
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 Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium 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 Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bedaquiline and Lithium 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 produce additive prolongation and raise the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia or underlying cardiac disease.
How serious is the interaction between Bedaquiline and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and repeat it during co-therapy, and correct potassium, magnesium and calcium. Consider an alternative mood stabilizer or regimen if the QTc exceeds a safe threshold.
What other medicines interact with Lithium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lithium with, for example, Thioridazine, Vandetanib, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Lithium page.
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