Drug interactions
Dextromethorphan + Lumefantrine
Severity: Moderate
Dextromethorphan and Lumefantrine: 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
Lumefantrine inhibits CYP2D6, the main pathway converting dextromethorphan to dextrorphan. Dextromethorphan exposure may rise, increasing dose-related effects such as dizziness and drowsiness. The effect is likely modest at usual antitussive doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dextromethorphan and Lumefantrine 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
Inhibition of CYP2D6-mediated metabolism of dextromethorphan by lumefantrine.
What to do
Use the lowest effective dextromethorphan dose and monitor for CNS adverse effects during treatment.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Dextromethorphan and Lumefantrine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Dextromethorphan
- Dextromethorphan + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dextromethorphan with Lumefantrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dextromethorphan and Lumefantrine 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. Lumefantrine inhibits CYP2D6, the main pathway converting dextromethorphan to dextrorphan. Dextromethorphan exposure may rise, increasing dose-related effects such as dizziness and drowsiness. The effect is likely modest at usual antitussive doses.
How serious is the interaction between Dextromethorphan and Lumefantrine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective dextromethorphan dose and monitor for CNS adverse effects during treatment.
What other medicines interact with Dextromethorphan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dextromethorphan with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Dextromethorphan page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
