Drug interactions
Dihydroergotamine + Quinidine
Severity: Major
Dihydroergotamine and Quinidine: major 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
Quinidine inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise dihydroergotamine levels, increasing risk of ergotism with peripheral vasospasm and ischemia. Labeling contraindicates dihydroergotamine with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dihydroergotamine and Quinidine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Dihydroergotamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Quinidine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated dihydroergotamine metabolism by quinidine.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible; if used, monitor for signs of vasospasm such as limb coldness, numbness or chest pain, and use the lowest effective dihydroergotamine dose.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Quinidine
- Adagrasib + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Quinidine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Dihydroergotamine
- Almotriptan + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Dopamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Eletriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dihydroergotamine with Quinidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dihydroergotamine and Quinidine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Quinidine inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise dihydroergotamine levels, increasing risk of ergotism with peripheral vasospasm and ischemia. Labeling contraindicates dihydroergotamine with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors.
How serious is the interaction between Dihydroergotamine and Quinidine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination if possible; if used, monitor for signs of vasospasm such as limb coldness, numbness or chest pain, and use the lowest effective dihydroergotamine dose.
What other medicines interact with Quinidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Quinidine with, for example, Adagrasib, Arsenic trioxide, Artemether / lumefantrine. The full list is on the Quinidine page.
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