Drug interactions
Metformin + Quinine
Severity: Moderate
Metformin and Quinine: 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
Quinine may inhibit renal cationic transporters (MATE/OCT2) involved in metformin elimination, which could raise metformin levels. Quinine can also cause hypoglycemia, which may complicate glucose control.
What this interaction means in plain words
Metformin and Quinine 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.
Metformin belongs to Endocrine; Quinine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Inhibition of renal organic cation transporters, reducing metformin clearance, plus additive glucose-lowering effects.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose closely during quinine therapy and watch for metformin adverse effects, particularly in renal impairment.
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 Quinine
- Arsenic trioxide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Quinine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Quinine Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Quinine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Metformin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Metformin with Quinine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Metformin and Quinine 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. Quinine may inhibit renal cationic transporters (MATE/OCT2) involved in metformin elimination, which could raise metformin levels. Quinine can also cause hypoglycemia, which may complicate glucose control.
How serious is the interaction between Metformin and Quinine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose closely during quinine therapy and watch for metformin adverse effects, particularly in renal impairment.
What other medicines interact with Quinine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Quinine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Quinine page.
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