Drug interactions
Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Quinine
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Quinine: 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
Both agents can prolong the QT interval, and combined use increases the risk of torsades de pointes. The implant gives steady low exposure, so the added risk is likely smaller than with higher-dose forms.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Quinine 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 QT prolongation through cardiac potassium channel blockade.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and correct electrolytes. Monitor the QTc during quinine treatment and avoid other QT-prolonging drugs.
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 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 subdermal implant with Quinine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Quinine 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. Both agents can prolong the QT interval, and combined use increases the risk of torsades de pointes. The implant gives steady low exposure, so the added risk is likely smaller than with higher-dose forms.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Quinine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and correct electrolytes. Monitor the QTc during quinine treatment and avoid other QT-prolonging drugs.
What other medicines interact with Quinine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Quinine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Quinine page.
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