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Drug interactions

Mefloquine + Olanzapine

Severity: Moderate

Mefloquine and Olanzapine: 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

Olanzapine has a relatively small QT effect, but mefloquine also prolongs QT and both can affect the central nervous system. The combination may modestly increase the risk of arrhythmia and neuropsychiatric adverse effects.

What this interaction means in plain words

Mefloquine and Olanzapine 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.

Mefloquine belongs to Anti Parasitic; Olanzapine belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive prolongation of cardiac repolarization and overlapping CNS effects.

What to do

Obtain a baseline ECG and correct electrolyte abnormalities; monitor for palpitations, syncope and worsening psychiatric symptoms.

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?

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

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Mefloquine with Olanzapine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Mefloquine and Olanzapine 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. Olanzapine has a relatively small QT effect, but mefloquine also prolongs QT and both can affect the central nervous system. The combination may modestly increase the risk of arrhythmia and neuropsychiatric adverse effects.

How serious is the interaction between Mefloquine and Olanzapine?

MediHelp rates it moderate, 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 electrolyte abnormalities; monitor for palpitations, syncope and worsening psychiatric symptoms.

What other medicines interact with Mefloquine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Mefloquine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dronedarone, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Mefloquine page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

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