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Drug interactions

Mefloquine + Tipranavir

Severity: Major

Mefloquine and Tipranavir: 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

Tipranavir, given with ritonavir, may increase mefloquine exposure. This could increase neuropsychiatric and cardiac toxicity, and the effect may persist given mefloquine's long half-life.

What this interaction means in plain words

Mefloquine and Tipranavir 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; Tipranavir belongs to Anti Virals.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Ritonavir-boosted tipranavir regimens inhibit CYP3A4 metabolism of mefloquine.

What to do

Avoid the combination and choose an alternative antimalarial. If unavoidable, obtain an ECG and monitor for neuropsychiatric symptoms.

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?

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 Tipranavir?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Mefloquine and Tipranavir 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. Tipranavir, given with ritonavir, may increase mefloquine exposure. This could increase neuropsychiatric and cardiac toxicity, and the effect may persist given mefloquine's long half-life.

How serious is the interaction between Mefloquine and Tipranavir?

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 the combination and choose an alternative antimalarial. If unavoidable, obtain an ECG and monitor for neuropsychiatric 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

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