Drug interactions
Gemifloxacin + Quinine
Severity: Major
Gemifloxacin 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
Quinine causes dose-related QT prolongation and gemifloxacin adds to this effect. The combination can increase the risk of torsades de pointes and other serious arrhythmias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gemifloxacin 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.
Gemifloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Quinine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation through cardiac potassium channel blockade.
What to do
Avoid the combination if an alternative antibiotic is available. If both are needed, monitor the ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
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 Gemifloxacin
- Arsenic trioxide + Gemifloxacin Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Gemifloxacin Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
Other interactions of Quinine
- Arsenic trioxide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Quinine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Quinine Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Quinine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Gemifloxacin with Quinine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Gemifloxacin 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. Quinine causes dose-related QT prolongation and gemifloxacin adds to this effect. The combination can increase the risk of torsades de pointes and other serious arrhythmias.
How serious is the interaction between Gemifloxacin 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 the combination if an alternative antibiotic is available. If both are needed, monitor the ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
What other medicines interact with Gemifloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Gemifloxacin with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Gemifloxacin page.
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