Drug interactions
Mefloquine + Topotecan
Severity: Moderate
Mefloquine and Topotecan: 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
Mefloquine inhibits P-glycoprotein and may increase systemic exposure to topotecan, which is a substrate of efflux transporters such as P-gp and BCRP. This could worsen topotecan myelosuppression, although clinical data are limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mefloquine and Topotecan 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; Topotecan belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Inhibition of P-glycoprotein efflux transport, reducing topotecan clearance and increasing absorption.
What to do
Prefer an alternative antimalarial during topotecan therapy. If combined, monitor complete blood counts closely for neutropenia and thrombocytopenia.
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?
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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 Topotecan
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Topotecan Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Topotecan Major
- Cisplatin + Topotecan Major
- Cobicistat + Topotecan Major
- Cyclosporine + Topotecan Major
- Cyclosporin + Topotecan Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mefloquine with Topotecan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Mefloquine and Topotecan 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 inhibits P-glycoprotein and may increase systemic exposure to topotecan, which is a substrate of efflux transporters such as P-gp and BCRP. This could worsen topotecan myelosuppression, although clinical data are limited.
How serious is the interaction between Mefloquine and Topotecan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer an alternative antimalarial during topotecan therapy. If combined, monitor complete blood counts closely for neutropenia and thrombocytopenia.
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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