Drug interactions
Pentamidine + Quinidine
Severity: Major
Pentamidine and Quinidine: 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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, and systemic pentamidine has been associated with torsades de pointes. Together the risk of life-threatening arrhythmia is increased.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pentamidine and Quinidine 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; Quinidine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid concurrent systemic use where possible. If essential, monitor ECG, potassium, magnesium and glucose.
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 Quinidine
- Adagrasib + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Quinidine 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 Pentamidine with Quinidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Pentamidine and Quinidine 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. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, and systemic pentamidine has been associated with torsades de pointes. Together the risk of life-threatening arrhythmia is increased.
How serious is the interaction between Pentamidine and Quinidine?
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 concurrent systemic use where possible. If essential, monitor ECG, potassium, magnesium and glucose.
What other medicines interact with Quinidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Quinidine with, for example, Adagrasib, Arsenic trioxide, Artemether / lumefantrine. The full list is on the Quinidine page.
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