Drug interactions
Memantine-donepezil + Quinacrine
Severity: Minor
Memantine-donepezil and Quinacrine: minor 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
Quinacrine may inhibit CYP2D6 and modestly raise donepezil exposure. The clinical effect is expected to be small, but cholinergic effects such as nausea, bradycardia and diarrhea could be more pronounced.
What this interaction means in plain words
Memantine-donepezil and Quinacrine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Possible inhibition of CYP2D6-mediated donepezil metabolism by quinacrine.
What to do
No routine dose change is needed; watch for bradycardia, gastrointestinal upset or syncope after quinacrine is started and reduce the donepezil dose if cholinergic effects appear.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Memantine-donepezil
- Dronedarone + Memantine-donepezil Contraindicated
- Memantine-donepezil + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amantadine + Memantine-donepezil Major
- Amiodarone + Memantine-donepezil Major
- Amisulpride + Memantine-donepezil Major
- Amitriptyline + Memantine-donepezil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Memantine-donepezil with Quinacrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Memantine-donepezil and Quinacrine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Quinacrine may inhibit CYP2D6 and modestly raise donepezil exposure. The clinical effect is expected to be small, but cholinergic effects such as nausea, bradycardia and diarrhea could be more pronounced.
How serious is the interaction between Memantine-donepezil and Quinacrine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine dose change is needed; watch for bradycardia, gastrointestinal upset or syncope after quinacrine is started and reduce the donepezil dose if cholinergic effects appear.
What other medicines interact with Memantine-donepezil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Memantine-donepezil with, for example, Dronedarone, Thioridazine, Amantadine. The full list is on the Memantine-donepezil page.
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