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Drug interactions

Lumefantrine + Maprotiline

Severity: Major

Lumefantrine and Maprotiline: major interaction.

Last updated Sources: US FDA label

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, increasing the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbances or other QT-prolonging drugs.

What this interaction means in plain words

Lumefantrine and Maprotiline 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation.

What to do

Avoid where possible, and consider holding maprotiline during short antimalarial treatment. If combined, 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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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References

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Lumefantrine with Maprotiline?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lumefantrine and Maprotiline 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, increasing the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbances or other QT-prolonging drugs.

How serious is the interaction between Lumefantrine and Maprotiline?

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 where possible, and consider holding maprotiline during short antimalarial treatment. If combined, obtain an ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.

What other medicines interact with Maprotiline?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Maprotiline with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Disopyramide, Dofetilide. The full list is on the Maprotiline page.

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