Drug interactions
Mefloquine + Tacrolimus
Severity: Moderate
Mefloquine 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
Tacrolimus and mefloquine can each prolong the QT interval, so combined use may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia. Tacrolimus-related electrolyte changes such as hypomagnesemia and hyperkalemia can add to the risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mefloquine 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.
Mefloquine belongs to Anti Parasitic; Tacrolimus belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation (pharmacodynamic); mefloquine may also modestly affect tacrolimus exposure via P-glycoprotein or CYP3A.
What to do
Check a baseline ECG and electrolytes and repeat after starting mefloquine. Monitor tacrolimus trough concentrations and renal function.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Mefloquine and Tacrolimus, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.
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 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 Mefloquine with Tacrolimus?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Mefloquine 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. Tacrolimus and mefloquine can each prolong the QT interval, so combined use may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia. Tacrolimus-related electrolyte changes such as hypomagnesemia and hyperkalemia can add to the risk.
How serious is the interaction between Mefloquine 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: Check a baseline ECG and electrolytes and repeat after starting mefloquine. Monitor tacrolimus trough concentrations and renal function.
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.
