Drug interactions
Lumefantrine + Tacrolimus
Severity: Moderate
Lumefantrine and Tacrolimus: moderate 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
Lumefantrine is metabolized by CYP3A4 and has been reported to weakly interact with CYP3A4 substrates, but a clinically important reduction in tacrolimus levels is not well established. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, which is the more relevant concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lumefantrine and Tacrolimus can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Possible CYP3A4 effect on tacrolimus; additive QT prolongation is also plausible.
What to do
Monitor tacrolimus trough levels during and after the antimalarial course. Obtain an ECG and correct electrolytes if other QT-prolonging drugs are used.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Tacrolimus
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Cidofovir + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Tacrolimus Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lumefantrine with Tacrolimus?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Lumefantrine and Tacrolimus can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Lumefantrine is metabolized by CYP3A4 and has been reported to weakly interact with CYP3A4 substrates, but a clinically important reduction in tacrolimus levels is not well established. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, which is the more relevant concern.
How serious is the interaction between Lumefantrine and Tacrolimus?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor tacrolimus trough levels during and after the antimalarial course. Obtain an ECG and correct electrolytes if other QT-prolonging drugs are used.
What other medicines interact with Tacrolimus?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tacrolimus with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Bcg vaccine live, Cidofovir. The full list is on the Tacrolimus page.
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