Drug interactions
Ofloxacin + Quinine
Severity: Major
Ofloxacin and Quinine: major 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 has a notable QT-prolonging effect and ofloxacin adds to it, which increases the chance of ventricular arrhythmias including torsades de pointes. Patients with cardiac disease or electrolyte abnormalities are at highest risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ofloxacin and Quinine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Ofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Quinine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive hERG potassium channel blockade causing delayed cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Avoid the combination where an alternative exists. If it is necessary, check an ECG and electrolytes at baseline and monitor for palpitations or syncope.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Ofloxacin
- Ofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Ofloxacin Major
- Amiodarone + Ofloxacin Major
- Amisulpride + Ofloxacin Major
- Anagrelide + Ofloxacin Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Ofloxacin Major
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 Ofloxacin with Quinine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ofloxacin and Quinine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Quinine has a notable QT-prolonging effect and ofloxacin adds to it, which increases the chance of ventricular arrhythmias including torsades de pointes. Patients with cardiac disease or electrolyte abnormalities are at highest risk.
How serious is the interaction between Ofloxacin and Quinine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where an alternative exists. If it is necessary, check an ECG and electrolytes at baseline and monitor for palpitations or syncope.
What other medicines interact with Ofloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ofloxacin with, for example, Thioridazine, Adagrasib, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Ofloxacin page.
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