Drug interactions
Metformin + Tafenoquine
Severity: Moderate
Metformin and Tafenoquine: 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
Tafenoquine inhibits renal cation transporters in vitro and may raise metformin concentrations. This could increase metformin-related adverse effects, including lactic acidosis in patients with impaired renal function.
What this interaction means in plain words
Metformin and Tafenoquine 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; Tafenoquine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Tafenoquine inhibits OCT2 and MATE transporters, decreasing renal tubular secretion of metformin.
What to do
Monitor for metformin toxicity and glucose control, and consider reducing the metformin dose. Take extra care in patients with reduced renal function.
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 Metformin
Other interactions of Tafenoquine
- Dofetilide + Tafenoquine Major
- Alogliptin-metformin + Tafenoquine Moderate
- Amantadine + Tafenoquine Moderate
- Amiloride + Tafenoquine Moderate
- Canagliflozin-metformin + Tafenoquine Moderate
- Cimetidine + Tafenoquine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Metformin with Tafenoquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Metformin and Tafenoquine 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. Tafenoquine inhibits renal cation transporters in vitro and may raise metformin concentrations. This could increase metformin-related adverse effects, including lactic acidosis in patients with impaired renal function.
How serious is the interaction between Metformin and Tafenoquine?
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 for metformin toxicity and glucose control, and consider reducing the metformin dose. Take extra care in patients with reduced renal function.
What other medicines interact with Metformin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metformin with, for example, Contrast media, Diatrizoate meglumine / diatrizoate, Diatrizoate. The full list is on the Metformin page.
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