Drug interactions
Desflurane + Quinine
Severity: Moderate
Desflurane 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 volatile anesthetics such as desflurane can also lengthen repolarization. Together they may raise the risk of perioperative torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desflurane 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.
Desflurane belongs to Central Nervous System; Quinine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of ventricular repolarization.
What to do
Check ECG and electrolytes before anesthesia in patients on quinine and keep potassium and magnesium normal. Monitor the ECG during the procedure.
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 Desflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desflurane with Quinine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desflurane 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 volatile anesthetics such as desflurane can also lengthen repolarization. Together they may raise the risk of perioperative torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Desflurane 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 ECG and electrolytes before anesthesia in patients on quinine and keep potassium and magnesium normal. Monitor the ECG during the procedure.
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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