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Drug interactions

Bedaquiline + Memantine-donepezil

Severity: Major

Bedaquiline and Memantine-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 prolongs the QT interval, and donepezil adds to that effect. Together they may increase the risk of torsades de pointes.

What this interaction means in plain words

Bedaquiline and Memantine-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; Memantine-donepezil belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive QT prolongation.

What to do

Avoid if possible; otherwise monitor ECG at baseline and regularly during treatment and maintain normal electrolytes. Consider holding donepezil during the bedaquiline course.

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 Memantine-donepezil?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bedaquiline and Memantine-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 prolongs the QT interval, and donepezil adds to that effect. Together they may increase the risk of torsades de pointes.

How serious is the interaction between Bedaquiline and Memantine-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 monitor ECG at baseline and regularly during treatment and maintain normal electrolytes. Consider holding donepezil during the bedaquiline course.

What other medicines interact with Memantine-donepezil?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Memantine-donepezil with, for example, Dronedarone, Thioridazine, Amantadine. The full list is on the Memantine-donepezil page.

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