Drug interactions
Haloperidol + Mexiletine
Severity: Major
Haloperidol and Mexiletine: 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
Haloperidol inhibits CYP2D6 to some extent and may raise mexiletine levels, and both drugs can prolong the QT interval. This increases the risk of torsades de pointes and mexiletine toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Haloperidol and Mexiletine 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.
Haloperidol belongs to Central Nervous System; Mexiletine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation with CYP2D6 inhibition by haloperidol.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise monitor ECG and QTc, correct potassium and magnesium, and consider reducing the mexiletine 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 Mexiletine
- Fezolinetant + Mexiletine Contraindicated
- Mexiletine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Alosetron + Mexiletine Major
- Amiodarone + Mexiletine Major
- Clozapine + Mexiletine Major
- Cobicistat + Mexiletine Major
Other interactions of Haloperidol
- Dofetilide + Haloperidol Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Haloperidol Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Panobinostat Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Haloperidol with Mexiletine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Haloperidol and Mexiletine 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. Haloperidol inhibits CYP2D6 to some extent and may raise mexiletine levels, and both drugs can prolong the QT interval. This increases the risk of torsades de pointes and mexiletine toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Haloperidol and Mexiletine?
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 monitor ECG and QTc, correct potassium and magnesium, and consider reducing the mexiletine dose.
What other medicines interact with Mexiletine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Mexiletine with, for example, Fezolinetant, Pimozide, Alosetron. The full list is on the Mexiletine page.
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