Drug interactions
Ondansetron + Quinine
Severity: Major
Ondansetron 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 prolongs the QT interval and can cause torsades de pointes, and ondansetron has additive QT effects. Combined use increases the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia, particularly with electrolyte disturbances.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ondansetron 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.
Ondansetron belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Quinine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive blockade of cardiac repolarizing potassium channels leading to QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible and choose a different antiemetic. If it is necessary, correct potassium and magnesium and monitor the ECG.
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 Ondansetron
- Apomorphine + Ondansetron Contraindicated
- Ondansetron + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ondansetron + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Ondansetron Major
- Amiodarone + Ondansetron Major
- Amisulpride + Ondansetron 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 Ondansetron with Quinine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ondansetron 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 prolongs the QT interval and can cause torsades de pointes, and ondansetron has additive QT effects. Combined use increases the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia, particularly with electrolyte disturbances.
How serious is the interaction between Ondansetron 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 if possible and choose a different antiemetic. If it is necessary, correct potassium and magnesium and monitor the ECG.
What other medicines interact with Ondansetron?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ondansetron with, for example, Apomorphine, Thioridazine, Vandetanib. The full list is on the Ondansetron page.
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