Drug interactions
Donepezil + Primaquine
Severity: Moderate
Donepezil and Primaquine: 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 have been linked to QT prolongation, and donepezil can also cause bradycardia. Together they may increase the risk of torsades de pointes, especially in older patients with cardiac disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Donepezil and Primaquine 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; Primaquine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation, with donepezil bradycardia as a contributing factor.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and correct electrolytes. Monitor heart rate and ECG, and report syncope or palpitations promptly.
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 Primaquine
- Pimozide + Primaquine Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Primaquine Major
- Amisulpride + Primaquine Major
- Anagrelide + Primaquine Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Primaquine Major
- Asenapine + Primaquine Major
Other interactions of Donepezil
- Donepezil + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Donepezil Major
- Amisulpride + Donepezil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Donepezil with Primaquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Donepezil and Primaquine 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 have been linked to QT prolongation, and donepezil can also cause bradycardia. Together they may increase the risk of torsades de pointes, especially in older patients with cardiac disease.
How serious is the interaction between Donepezil and Primaquine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and correct electrolytes. Monitor heart rate and ECG, and report syncope or palpitations promptly.
What other medicines interact with Primaquine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Primaquine with, for example, Pimozide, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Primaquine page.
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