Drug interactions
Mefloquine + Trimipramine
Severity: Major
Mefloquine and Trimipramine: 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
Tricyclic antidepressants such as trimipramine can prolong the QT interval and widen the QRS, and mefloquine adds to this risk. The combination also increases the likelihood of seizures and neuropsychiatric effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mefloquine and Trimipramine 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; Trimipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive effects on cardiac repolarization and lowering of seizure threshold (pharmacodynamic).
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and use another antimalarial. If it must be used, obtain an ECG and monitor for arrhythmia, seizures and psychiatric 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?
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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 Trimipramine
- Disopyramide + Trimipramine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Trimipramine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Trimipramine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Trimipramine Contraindicated
- Pentamidine + Trimipramine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Trimipramine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mefloquine with Trimipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Mefloquine and Trimipramine 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. Tricyclic antidepressants such as trimipramine can prolong the QT interval and widen the QRS, and mefloquine adds to this risk. The combination also increases the likelihood of seizures and neuropsychiatric effects.
How serious is the interaction between Mefloquine and Trimipramine?
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 where possible and use another antimalarial. If it must be used, obtain an ECG and monitor for arrhythmia, seizures and psychiatric 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.
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