Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Quinine
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine and Quinine: 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
Quinine prolongs the QT interval and buprenorphine has a smaller QT effect. Co-administration may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia, especially with electrolyte disturbances or other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Quinine 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; Quinine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation via cardiac repolarization effects.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise check a baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor the QTc during quinine therapy.
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 Quinine
- Arsenic trioxide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Quinine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Quinine Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Quinine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Quinine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine and Quinine 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. Quinine prolongs the QT interval and buprenorphine has a smaller QT effect. Co-administration may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia, especially with electrolyte disturbances or other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Quinine?
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 check a baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor the QTc during quinine therapy.
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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