Drug interactions
Bedaquiline + Primaquine
Severity: Major
Bedaquiline and Primaquine: 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 primaquine may add to this effect. The combination may increase the risk of torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bedaquiline and Primaquine 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; Primaquine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of ventricular repolarization.
What to do
Monitor ECG at baseline and during treatment, and keep potassium, magnesium and calcium normal. Consider alternatives to primaquine if QTc rises markedly.
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 Primaquine
- Pimozide + Primaquine Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Primaquine Major
- Amisulpride + Primaquine Major
- Anagrelide + Primaquine Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Primaquine Major
- Asenapine + Primaquine 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 Primaquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bedaquiline and Primaquine 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 primaquine may add to this effect. The combination may increase the risk of torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Bedaquiline and Primaquine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor ECG at baseline and during treatment, and keep potassium, magnesium and calcium normal. Consider alternatives to primaquine if QTc rises markedly.
What other medicines interact with Primaquine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Primaquine with, for example, Pimozide, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Primaquine page.
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