Drug interactions
Nelfinavir + Quinine
Severity: Moderate
Nelfinavir 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
Nelfinavir inhibits CYP3A4, which can raise quinine concentrations. Higher exposure increases the risk of cinchonism and QT prolongation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nelfinavir 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.
Nelfinavir belongs to Anti Virals; Quinine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Nelfinavir inhibits CYP3A4-mediated quinine metabolism.
What to do
Monitor ECG and for cinchonism, and keep the quinine duration as short as possible. Correct potassium and magnesium and avoid other QT-prolonging drugs.
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 Nelfinavir
- Alfuzosin + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Flibanserin + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nelfinavir with Quinine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Nelfinavir 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. Nelfinavir inhibits CYP3A4, which can raise quinine concentrations. Higher exposure increases the risk of cinchonism and QT prolongation.
How serious is the interaction between Nelfinavir 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 ECG and for cinchonism, and keep the quinine duration as short as possible. Correct potassium and magnesium and avoid other QT-prolonging drugs.
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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