Drug interactions
Ciprofloxacin + Methadone
Severity: Moderate
Ciprofloxacin and Methadone: 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 drugs can prolong the QT interval, and ciprofloxacin may also inhibit CYP1A2 and CYP3A4, which could raise methadone levels. Case reports describe increased sedation and QT prolongation with this combination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ciprofloxacin and Methadone 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.
Ciprofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Methadone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with possible inhibition of methadone metabolism by ciprofloxacin.
What to do
Monitor the ECG and QTc, particularly in patients with other risk factors, and correct electrolyte abnormalities. Watch for sedation or respiratory depression and consider an alternative antibiotic if the QTc rises.
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 Methadone
- Alvimopan + Methadone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Methadone Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Methadone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Methadone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
Other interactions of Ciprofloxacin
- Agomelatine + Ciprofloxacin Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Tizanidine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Alosetron + Ciprofloxacin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ciprofloxacin with Methadone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ciprofloxacin and Methadone 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 drugs can prolong the QT interval, and ciprofloxacin may also inhibit CYP1A2 and CYP3A4, which could raise methadone levels. Case reports describe increased sedation and QT prolongation with this combination.
How serious is the interaction between Ciprofloxacin and Methadone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor the ECG and QTc, particularly in patients with other risk factors, and correct electrolyte abnormalities. Watch for sedation or respiratory depression and consider an alternative antibiotic if the QTc rises.
What other medicines interact with Methadone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methadone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Droperidol. The full list is on the Methadone page.
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