Drug interactions
Metformin-pioglitazone + Quinine
Severity: Minor
Metformin-pioglitazone and Quinine: 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
Metformin and quinine are both cationic drugs handled by renal tubular transporters, and quinine may reduce metformin clearance. Quinine can also cause hypoglycemia on its own, which adds to glucose-lowering effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Metformin-pioglitazone and Quinine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Metformin-pioglitazone belongs to Endocrine; Quinine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Competition for renal tubular cationic transporters (OCT2/MATE) may reduce metformin clearance; quinine also stimulates insulin secretion.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose during quinine treatment, especially in patients with renal impairment, and reduce antidiabetic doses if hypoglycemia occurs.
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 Metformin-pioglitazone
Other interactions of Quinine
- Arsenic trioxide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Quinine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Quinine Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Quinine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Metformin-pioglitazone with Quinine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Metformin-pioglitazone and Quinine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Metformin and quinine are both cationic drugs handled by renal tubular transporters, and quinine may reduce metformin clearance. Quinine can also cause hypoglycemia on its own, which adds to glucose-lowering effects.
How serious is the interaction between Metformin-pioglitazone and Quinine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose during quinine treatment, especially in patients with renal impairment, and reduce antidiabetic doses if hypoglycemia occurs.
What other medicines interact with Metformin-pioglitazone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metformin-pioglitazone with, for example, Contrast media, Diatrizoate meglumine / diatrizoate, Diatrizoate. The full list is on the Metformin-pioglitazone page.
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