Drug interactions
Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Mefloquine
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine subdermal implant 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. Combined use may increase arrhythmia risk, especially in patients with other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine subdermal implant 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.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation.
What to do
Consider an alternative antimalarial in patients with cardiac risk factors. Otherwise obtain a baseline ECG and correct 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?
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Other interactions of Mefloquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine subdermal implant with Mefloquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine subdermal implant 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. Combined use may increase arrhythmia risk, especially in patients with other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine subdermal implant 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: Consider an alternative antimalarial in patients with cardiac risk factors. Otherwise obtain a baseline ECG and correct 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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