Drug interactions
Duloxetine + Pefloxacin
Severity: Major
Duloxetine and Pefloxacin: 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
Pefloxacin inhibits CYP1A2 and may raise duloxetine concentrations, increasing adverse effects such as nausea, dizziness, blood pressure rise and serotonergic toxicity. Strong CYP1A2 inhibitors such as fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin are labeled for avoidance with duloxetine.
What this interaction means in plain words
Duloxetine and Pefloxacin 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.
Duloxetine belongs to Central Nervous System; Pefloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP1A2-mediated duloxetine metabolism by pefloxacin.
What to do
Prefer an antibiotic that does not inhibit CYP1A2. If unavoidable, monitor for duloxetine adverse effects and consider dose reduction.
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 Duloxetine
- Duloxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Pefloxacin
- Pefloxacin + Tizanidine Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Pefloxacin Major
- Pefloxacin + Theophylline Major
- Asenapine + Pefloxacin Moderate
- Caffeine + Pefloxacin Moderate
- Cimetidine + Pefloxacin Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Duloxetine with Pefloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Duloxetine and Pefloxacin 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. Pefloxacin inhibits CYP1A2 and may raise duloxetine concentrations, increasing adverse effects such as nausea, dizziness, blood pressure rise and serotonergic toxicity. Strong CYP1A2 inhibitors such as fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin are labeled for avoidance with duloxetine.
How serious is the interaction between Duloxetine and Pefloxacin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer an antibiotic that does not inhibit CYP1A2. If unavoidable, monitor for duloxetine adverse effects and consider dose reduction.
What other medicines interact with Duloxetine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Duloxetine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Duloxetine page.
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