Drug interactions
Donepezil + Leuprolide
Severity: Moderate
Donepezil and Leuprolide: 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
Androgen deprivation therapy with leuprolide can lengthen the QT interval, and donepezil has a known risk of QT prolongation. The combination may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia in susceptible patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Donepezil and Leuprolide 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.
Donepezil belongs to Central Nervous System; Leuprolide belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation; androgen deprivation alters cardiac repolarization while donepezil affects ion channels and vagal tone.
What to do
Check ECG and electrolytes at baseline and during therapy in patients with cardiac risk factors. Correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia and avoid adding further QT-prolonging drugs.
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 Donepezil
- Donepezil + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Donepezil Major
- Amisulpride + Donepezil Major
Other interactions of Leuprolide
- Leuprolide + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Leuprolide + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Leuprolide Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Leuprolide Major
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Leuprolide Major
- Disopyramide + Leuprolide Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Donepezil with Leuprolide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Donepezil and Leuprolide 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. Androgen deprivation therapy with leuprolide can lengthen the QT interval, and donepezil has a known risk of QT prolongation. The combination may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia in susceptible patients.
How serious is the interaction between Donepezil and Leuprolide?
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 at baseline and during therapy in patients with cardiac risk factors. Correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia and avoid adding further QT-prolonging drugs.
What other medicines interact with Donepezil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Donepezil with, for example, Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Donepezil page.
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