Drug interactions
Pentamidine + Ranolazine
Severity: Major
Pentamidine and Ranolazine: 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 by injection, can prolong QT and cause torsades de pointes. Adding ranolazine, which also lengthens QTc, increases this risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pentamidine and Ranolazine 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; Ranolazine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise monitor ECG and correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia before and during treatment.
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 Ranolazine
- Adagrasib + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Apalutamide + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Butabarbital + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Ranolazine 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 Ranolazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Pentamidine and Ranolazine 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 by injection, can prolong QT and cause torsades de pointes. Adding ranolazine, which also lengthens QTc, increases this risk.
How serious is the interaction between Pentamidine and Ranolazine?
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 possible; otherwise monitor ECG and correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia before and during treatment.
What other medicines interact with Ranolazine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ranolazine with, for example, Adagrasib, Amobarbital, Apalutamide. The full list is on the Ranolazine page.
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