Drug interactions
Nafcillin + Primaquine
Severity: Moderate
Nafcillin and Primaquine: 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
Nafcillin induces CYP3A4 and may lower concentrations of primaquine. The clinical effect on primaquine efficacy is uncertain but could reduce antimalarial activity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nafcillin and Primaquine 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.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 by nafcillin, increasing primaquine metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for lack of efficacy or relapse during co-therapy. Use an alternative antibiotic that does not induce CYP3A4 when possible.
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 Primaquine
- Pimozide + Primaquine Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Primaquine Major
- Amisulpride + Primaquine Major
- Anagrelide + Primaquine Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Primaquine Major
- Asenapine + Primaquine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nafcillin with Primaquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Nafcillin and Primaquine 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. Nafcillin induces CYP3A4 and may lower concentrations of primaquine. The clinical effect on primaquine efficacy is uncertain but could reduce antimalarial activity.
How serious is the interaction between Nafcillin and Primaquine?
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 lack of efficacy or relapse during co-therapy. Use an alternative antibiotic that does not induce CYP3A4 when possible.
What other medicines interact with Primaquine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Primaquine with, for example, Pimozide, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Primaquine page.
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