Drug interactions
Haloperidol + Propafenone
Severity: Major
Haloperidol and Propafenone: 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 can prolong the QT interval and is partly metabolized by CYP2D6, which propafenone inhibits, so haloperidol exposure may increase. Both drugs are associated with ventricular arrhythmias, so the combination raises the risk of torsades de pointes and conduction block.
What this interaction means in plain words
Haloperidol and Propafenone 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; Propafenone belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation and conduction effects, with propafenone inhibiting CYP2D6 metabolism of haloperidol.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise use the lowest haloperidol dose with ECG monitoring and correction of potassium and magnesium. Consider an alternative antipsychotic with less QT effect.
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 Propafenone
- Dofetilide + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nirmatrelvir + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Propafenone Contraindicated
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 Propafenone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Haloperidol and Propafenone 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 can prolong the QT interval and is partly metabolized by CYP2D6, which propafenone inhibits, so haloperidol exposure may increase. Both drugs are associated with ventricular arrhythmias, so the combination raises the risk of torsades de pointes and conduction block.
How serious is the interaction between Haloperidol and Propafenone?
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 use the lowest haloperidol dose with ECG monitoring and correction of potassium and magnesium. Consider an alternative antipsychotic with less QT effect.
What other medicines interact with Propafenone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Propafenone with, for example, Dofetilide, Dronedarone, Nilotinib. The full list is on the Propafenone page.
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