Drug interactions
Lumefantrine + Ondansetron
Severity: Major
Lumefantrine and Ondansetron: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK 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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so giving them together may produce additive effects on ventricular repolarisation. This raises the risk of torsades de pointes, particularly in patients with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia, heart failure or congenital long QT syndrome.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lumefantrine and Ondansetron 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 pharmacodynamic QT prolongation through blockade of cardiac potassium channels.
What to do
Prefer a non-QT-prolonging antiemetic when lumefantrine is given, and avoid the pair in congenital long QT syndrome. If used together, correct potassium and magnesium and obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG.
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 Ondansetron
- Apomorphine + Ondansetron Contraindicated
- Ondansetron + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ondansetron + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Ondansetron Major
- Amiodarone + Ondansetron Major
- Amisulpride + Ondansetron Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lumefantrine with Ondansetron?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lumefantrine and Ondansetron 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 giving them together may produce additive effects on ventricular repolarisation. This raises the risk of torsades de pointes, particularly in patients with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia, heart failure or congenital long QT syndrome.
How serious is the interaction between Lumefantrine and Ondansetron?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer a non-QT-prolonging antiemetic when lumefantrine is given, and avoid the pair in congenital long QT syndrome. If used together, correct potassium and magnesium and obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG.
What other medicines interact with Ondansetron?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ondansetron with, for example, Apomorphine, Thioridazine, Vandetanib. The full list is on the Ondansetron page.
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