Drug interactions
Lumefantrine + Methadone
Severity: Major
Lumefantrine and Methadone: 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 combination raises the risk of torsades de pointes. Lumefantrine is a CYP3A4 substrate with weak effects on enzymes, and any change in methadone levels is uncertain.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lumefantrine and Methadone 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
Additive QT prolongation, with possible minor CYP3A4-related effects.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before treatment. Monitor the ECG during artemether-lumefantrine therapy and avoid other QT-prolonging drugs.
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 Methadone
- Alvimopan + Methadone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Methadone Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Methadone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Methadone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lumefantrine with Methadone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lumefantrine and Methadone 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 combination raises the risk of torsades de pointes. Lumefantrine is a CYP3A4 substrate with weak effects on enzymes, and any change in methadone levels is uncertain.
How serious is the interaction between Lumefantrine and Methadone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before treatment. Monitor the ECG during artemether-lumefantrine therapy and avoid other QT-prolonging drugs.
What other medicines interact with Methadone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methadone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Droperidol. The full list is on the Methadone page.
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