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Drug interactions

Mefloquine + Rilpivirine

Severity: Moderate

Mefloquine and Rilpivirine: 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

Rilpivirine at supratherapeutic doses prolongs the QT interval, and mefloquine also has QT-prolonging potential. Combined use may increase the risk of torsades de pointes.

What this interaction means in plain words

Mefloquine and Rilpivirine 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; Rilpivirine belongs to Anti Virals.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive prolongation of the QTc interval.

What to do

Obtain an ECG and correct electrolytes before combining, and monitor QTc during therapy. Consider an alternative antimalarial in patients with other QT risk factors.

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 Rilpivirine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Mefloquine and Rilpivirine 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. Rilpivirine at supratherapeutic doses prolongs the QT interval, and mefloquine also has QT-prolonging potential. Combined use may increase the risk of torsades de pointes.

How serious is the interaction between Mefloquine and Rilpivirine?

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 an ECG and correct electrolytes before combining, and monitor QTc during therapy. Consider an alternative antimalarial in patients with other QT risk factors.

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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