Drug interactions
Capecitabine + Quinine
Severity: Moderate
Capecitabine 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
Quinine prolongs the QT interval and capecitabine has been associated with QT effects in rare reports. Combined use could add to arrhythmia risk, although capecitabine's contribution is weakly documented.
What this interaction means in plain words
Capecitabine 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.
Capecitabine belongs to Oncology; Quinine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Possible additive QT prolongation; capecitabine's effect on cardiac repolarization is not well established.
What to do
Check a baseline ECG and electrolytes in patients with cardiac risk factors, and monitor the QTc if quinine is required during capecitabine therapy.
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
Other interactions of Capecitabine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Capecitabine with Quinine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Capecitabine 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. Quinine prolongs the QT interval and capecitabine has been associated with QT effects in rare reports. Combined use could add to arrhythmia risk, although capecitabine's contribution is weakly documented.
How serious is the interaction between Capecitabine 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: Check a baseline ECG and electrolytes in patients with cardiac risk factors, and monitor the QTc if quinine is required during capecitabine therapy.
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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