Drug interactions
Dosulepin + Mefloquine
Severity: Major
Dosulepin and Mefloquine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Dosulepin is a tricyclic antidepressant with QT-prolonging and proarrhythmic potential, and mefloquine may add to this. Both also lower the seizure threshold.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dosulepin and Mefloquine 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.
Dosulepin belongs to Central Nervous System; Mefloquine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation and overlapping seizure-threshold lowering.
What to do
Avoid if an alternative antimalarial is possible. If co-prescribed, check an ECG and electrolytes and monitor for seizures and arrhythmias.
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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References
Other interactions of Mefloquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Dosulepin
- Dosulepin + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Dosulepin Major
- Buprenorphine + Dosulepin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dosulepin with Mefloquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dosulepin and Mefloquine 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. Dosulepin is a tricyclic antidepressant with QT-prolonging and proarrhythmic potential, and mefloquine may add to this. Both also lower the seizure threshold.
How serious is the interaction between Dosulepin and Mefloquine?
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 if an alternative antimalarial is possible. If co-prescribed, check an ECG and electrolytes and monitor for seizures and arrhythmias.
What other medicines interact with Mefloquine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Mefloquine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dronedarone, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Mefloquine page.
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