Drug interactions
Carbamazepine + Lumefantrine
Severity: Contraindicated
Carbamazepine and Lumefantrine: contraindicated interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Carbamazepine can substantially lower lumefantrine concentrations. This may result in treatment failure of malaria and recrudescence.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbamazepine and Lumefantrine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Why it happens
Carbamazepine induces CYP3A4, accelerating lumefantrine metabolism.
What to do
Do not use together; use an antimalarial not dependent on CYP3A4 or a different anticonvulsant. Labeling advises against artemether/lumefantrine with strong CYP3A4 inducers.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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References
Other interactions of Carbamazepine
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Delamanid Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Dienogest / estradiol valerate Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbamazepine with Lumefantrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Carbamazepine and Lumefantrine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Carbamazepine can substantially lower lumefantrine concentrations. This may result in treatment failure of malaria and recrudescence.
How serious is the interaction between Carbamazepine and Lumefantrine?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not use together; use an antimalarial not dependent on CYP3A4 or a different anticonvulsant. Labeling advises against artemether/lumefantrine with strong CYP3A4 inducers.
What other medicines interact with Carbamazepine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Carbamazepine with, for example, Artemether / lumefantrine, Cabotegravir, Delamanid. The full list is on the Carbamazepine page.
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