Drug interactions
Isoflurane + Mefloquine
Severity: Moderate
Isoflurane and Mefloquine: 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
Mefloquine can prolong the QT interval, and volatile anesthetics such as isoflurane also have QT-prolonging potential. Used together in the perioperative setting they may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Isoflurane and Mefloquine 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.
Isoflurane belongs to Central Nervous System; Mefloquine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of cardiac repolarization (QT interval) through pharmacodynamic effects.
What to do
Check for a recent mefloquine dose and obtain a baseline ECG before elective anesthesia; correct potassium and magnesium and monitor the ECG during and after surgery.
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 Mefloquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Isoflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Isoflurane with Mefloquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Isoflurane and Mefloquine 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. Mefloquine can prolong the QT interval, and volatile anesthetics such as isoflurane also have QT-prolonging potential. Used together in the perioperative setting they may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Isoflurane and Mefloquine?
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 for a recent mefloquine dose and obtain a baseline ECG before elective anesthesia; correct potassium and magnesium and monitor the ECG during and after surgery.
What other medicines interact with Mefloquine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Mefloquine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dronedarone, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Mefloquine page.
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