Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Quinine
Severity: Major
Escitalopram and Quinine: 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
Escitalopram prolongs the QT interval in a dose-related manner, and quinine adds to this effect. The combination raises the risk of torsades de pointes, particularly in at-risk patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Quinine 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.
Escitalopram belongs to Central Nervous System; Quinine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise check the baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor the QTc, using the lowest effective escitalopram 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 Quinine
- Arsenic trioxide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Quinine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Quinine Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Quinine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Escitalopram
- Cisapride + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Escitalopram with Quinine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Escitalopram and Quinine 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. Escitalopram prolongs the QT interval in a dose-related manner, and quinine adds to this effect. The combination raises the risk of torsades de pointes, particularly in at-risk patients.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Quinine?
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 possible; otherwise check the baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor the QTc, using the lowest effective escitalopram dose.
What other medicines interact with Quinine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Quinine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Quinine page.
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