Drug interactions
Lithium + Quinapril
Severity: Major
Lithium and Quinapril: 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
ACE inhibitors such as quinapril can raise serum lithium concentrations and have caused lithium toxicity, sometimes severe, especially in older patients or those with renal impairment or volume depletion.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lithium and Quinapril 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.
Why it happens
Sodium depletion and reduced glomerular filtration lead to increased proximal tubular lithium reabsorption and reduced lithium clearance.
What to do
If the combination is unavoidable, reduce the lithium dose as needed and check lithium levels and renal function within the first week and after dose changes. Educate the patient about toxicity symptoms and about the risk with dehydration.
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 Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lithium with Quinapril?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lithium and Quinapril 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. ACE inhibitors such as quinapril can raise serum lithium concentrations and have caused lithium toxicity, sometimes severe, especially in older patients or those with renal impairment or volume depletion.
How serious is the interaction between Lithium and Quinapril?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: If the combination is unavoidable, reduce the lithium dose as needed and check lithium levels and renal function within the first week and after dose changes. Educate the patient about toxicity symptoms and about the risk with dehydration.
What other medicines interact with Lithium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lithium with, for example, Thioridazine, Vandetanib, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Lithium page.
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