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Drug interactions

Fluvoxamine + Quinidine

Severity: Major

Fluvoxamine and Quinidine: 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

Fluvoxamine can inhibit CYP3A4, CYP1A2 and CYP2C19, and may raise quinidine concentrations, and both agents can affect QT. The combination increases the risk of torsades de pointes.

What this interaction means in plain words

Fluvoxamine and Quinidine 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.

Fluvoxamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Quinidine belongs to Anti Parasitic.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive QT prolongation, with fluvoxamine inhibiting quinidine metabolism.

What to do

Avoid the combination where possible and choose an antidepressant with less QT effect. If it is unavoidable, monitor the ECG, electrolytes and quinidine levels.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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References

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Fluvoxamine with Quinidine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fluvoxamine and Quinidine 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. Fluvoxamine can inhibit CYP3A4, CYP1A2 and CYP2C19, and may raise quinidine concentrations, and both agents can affect QT. The combination increases the risk of torsades de pointes.

How serious is the interaction between Fluvoxamine and Quinidine?

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 the combination where possible and choose an antidepressant with less QT effect. If it is unavoidable, monitor the ECG, electrolytes and quinidine levels.

What other medicines interact with Quinidine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Quinidine with, for example, Adagrasib, Arsenic trioxide, Artemether / lumefantrine. The full list is on the Quinidine page.

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