Drug interactions
Pentamidine + Primaquine
Severity: Major
Pentamidine and Primaquine: 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, especially when given intravenously, can prolong the QT interval and cause torsades de pointes. Primaquine may add to this effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pentamidine and Primaquine 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 belongs to Anti Parasitic; Primaquine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid if an alternative is available. If both are needed, monitor the ECG and correct potassium, magnesium and glucose disturbances.
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 Primaquine
- Pimozide + Primaquine Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Primaquine Major
- Amisulpride + Primaquine Major
- Anagrelide + Primaquine Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Primaquine Major
- Asenapine + Primaquine Major
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 Pentamidine with Primaquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Pentamidine and Primaquine 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, especially when given intravenously, can prolong the QT interval and cause torsades de pointes. Primaquine may add to this effect.
How serious is the interaction between Pentamidine and Primaquine?
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 if an alternative is available. If both are needed, monitor the ECG and correct potassium, magnesium and glucose disturbances.
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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