Drug interactions
Fluoxetine + Quinine
Severity: Moderate
Fluoxetine and Quinine: 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 can prolong the QT interval, and fluoxetine inhibits CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, which may modestly raise quinine exposure. The combination may increase the risk of arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fluoxetine and Quinine 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.
Fluoxetine belongs to Central Nervous System; Quinine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation with possible CYP-mediated increase in quinine levels.
What to do
Check the ECG and electrolytes at baseline in patients with cardiac risk factors, and monitor the QTc and quinine toxicity.
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 Quinine
- Arsenic trioxide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Quinine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Quinine Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Quinine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Fluoxetine
- Fluoxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fluoxetine with Quinine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fluoxetine and Quinine 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 can prolong the QT interval, and fluoxetine inhibits CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, which may modestly raise quinine exposure. The combination may increase the risk of arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Fluoxetine and Quinine?
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 the ECG and electrolytes at baseline in patients with cardiac risk factors, and monitor the QTc and quinine toxicity.
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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