Drug interactions
Lumefantrine + Venlafaxine
Severity: Major
Lumefantrine and Venlafaxine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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 can prolong the QT interval, and venlafaxine may add to this effect. The combination raises the risk of torsades de pointes, particularly with electrolyte disturbances or underlying heart disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lumefantrine and Venlafaxine 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 prolongation of cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Avoid if possible, or obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before treatment. Monitor the QTc during therapy.
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 Venlafaxine
- Isocarboxazid + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Safinamide + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lumefantrine with Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lumefantrine and Venlafaxine 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. Lumefantrine can prolong the QT interval, and venlafaxine may add to this effect. The combination raises the risk of torsades de pointes, particularly with electrolyte disturbances or underlying heart disease.
How serious is the interaction between Lumefantrine and Venlafaxine?
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 if possible, or obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before treatment. Monitor the QTc during therapy.
What other medicines interact with Venlafaxine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Venlafaxine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Venlafaxine page.
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