Drug interactions
Loxapine + Mefloquine
Severity: Major
Loxapine and Mefloquine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: EMA SmPC
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
Loxapine is an antipsychotic with QT-prolonging potential, and mefloquine also lengthens the QT interval. Together they may raise the risk of torsades de pointes, especially with electrolyte disturbance or other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Loxapine and Mefloquine 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.
Loxapine belongs to Central Nervous System; Mefloquine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive blockade of cardiac potassium channels leading to QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and choose a non-QT-prolonging antimalarial. If it cannot be avoided, obtain a baseline and follow-up 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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References
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 Loxapine
- Alfentanil + Loxapine Major
- Alprazolam + Loxapine Major
- Amisulpride + Loxapine Major
- Amoxapine + Loxapine Major
- Apomorphine + Loxapine Major
- Belladonna and opium + Loxapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Loxapine with Mefloquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Loxapine and Mefloquine 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. Loxapine is an antipsychotic with QT-prolonging potential, and mefloquine also lengthens the QT interval. Together they may raise the risk of torsades de pointes, especially with electrolyte disturbance or other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Loxapine and Mefloquine?
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 choose a non-QT-prolonging antimalarial. If it cannot be avoided, obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
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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