Drug interactions
Paroxetine + Pentamidine
Severity: Major
Paroxetine and Pentamidine: 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
Pentamidine can prolong the QT interval and cause torsades de pointes, and paroxetine may add to this effect. Hypoglycemia and electrolyte disturbance from pentamidine increase risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Paroxetine and Pentamidine 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.
Paroxetine belongs to Central Nervous System; Pentamidine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through pharmacodynamic effects.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium. Monitor the ECG during treatment, or choose an alternative agent if feasible.
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 Paroxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Pentamidine
- Clomipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Moxifloxacin + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Nortriptyline + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Pentamidine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Paroxetine with Pentamidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Paroxetine and Pentamidine 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. Pentamidine can prolong the QT interval and cause torsades de pointes, and paroxetine may add to this effect. Hypoglycemia and electrolyte disturbance from pentamidine increase risk.
How serious is the interaction between Paroxetine and Pentamidine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium. Monitor the ECG during treatment, or choose an alternative agent if feasible.
What other medicines interact with Paroxetine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Paroxetine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Paroxetine page.
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