Drug interactions
Mefloquine + Oxaliplatin
Severity: Major
Mefloquine and Oxaliplatin: 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
Oxaliplatin can prolong the QT interval and cause electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, and mefloquine also prolongs QT. Together they may raise the risk of torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mefloquine and Oxaliplatin 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.
Mefloquine belongs to Anti Parasitic; Oxaliplatin belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, aggravated by oxaliplatin-related electrolyte depletion.
What to do
Avoid mefloquine during oxaliplatin therapy and choose a different antimalarial. If unavoidable, monitor the ECG, potassium and magnesium.
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 Mefloquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Oxaliplatin
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mefloquine with Oxaliplatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Mefloquine and Oxaliplatin 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. Oxaliplatin can prolong the QT interval and cause electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, and mefloquine also prolongs QT. Together they may raise the risk of torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Mefloquine and Oxaliplatin?
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 mefloquine during oxaliplatin therapy and choose a different antimalarial. If unavoidable, monitor the ECG, potassium and magnesium.
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.
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