Drug interactions
Loperamide + Tetrabenazine
Severity: Major
Loperamide and Tetrabenazine: 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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmia including torsades de pointes. Risk is higher with high loperamide doses, electrolyte imbalance or heart disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Loperamide and Tetrabenazine 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.
Loperamide belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Tetrabenazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT interval prolongation through cardiac potassium channel effects.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and keep loperamide to labeled doses. If used, obtain an 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 Loperamide
Other interactions of Tetrabenazine
- Dronedarone + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Loperamide with Tetrabenazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Loperamide and Tetrabenazine 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. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmia including torsades de pointes. Risk is higher with high loperamide doses, electrolyte imbalance or heart disease.
How serious is the interaction between Loperamide and Tetrabenazine?
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 where possible and keep loperamide to labeled doses. If used, obtain an ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
What other medicines interact with Loperamide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Loperamide with, for example, Amiodarone, Amisulpride, Anagrelide. The full list is on the Loperamide page.
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