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Drug interactions

Buprenorphine long-acting + Mefloquine

Severity: Moderate

Buprenorphine long-acting and Mefloquine: moderate 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

Buprenorphine has a modest QT-prolonging potential and mefloquine may add to it. Because long-acting injections cannot be quickly withdrawn, any additive effect persists for a prolonged period.

What this interaction means in plain words

Buprenorphine long-acting and Mefloquine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation.

What to do

Prefer a non-QT-prolonging antimalarial. If mefloquine is needed, obtain a baseline ECG and monitor electrolytes.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

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 Buprenorphine long-acting with Mefloquine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine long-acting and Mefloquine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Buprenorphine has a modest QT-prolonging potential and mefloquine may add to it. Because long-acting injections cannot be quickly withdrawn, any additive effect persists for a prolonged period.

How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine long-acting and Mefloquine?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer a non-QT-prolonging antimalarial. If mefloquine is needed, obtain a baseline ECG and monitor electrolytes.

What other medicines interact with Mefloquine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Mefloquine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dronedarone, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Mefloquine page.

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