Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Gemifloxacin
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine and Gemifloxacin: 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
Gemifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone with QT-prolonging activity, and buprenorphine may add a small effect. The combination raises the risk of torsades de pointes, especially with other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Gemifloxacin 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.
Buprenorphine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Gemifloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through cardiac potassium channel inhibition.
What to do
Choose a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic where possible. If the combination is needed, obtain an ECG and correct electrolytes.
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 Buprenorphine
- Alvimopan + Buprenorphine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Gemifloxacin
- Arsenic trioxide + Gemifloxacin Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Gemifloxacin Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Gemifloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine and Gemifloxacin 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. Gemifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone with QT-prolonging activity, and buprenorphine may add a small effect. The combination raises the risk of torsades de pointes, especially with other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Gemifloxacin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Choose a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic where possible. If the combination is needed, obtain an ECG and correct electrolytes.
What other medicines interact with Buprenorphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Buprenorphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Buprenorphine page.
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