Drug interactions
Primaquine + Propafenone
Severity: Major
Primaquine and Propafenone: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Propafenone is a class 1C antiarrhythmic that prolongs QRS and may prolong QT, and it has proarrhythmic potential. Primaquine may add to this effect and raise the risk of serious arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Primaquine and Propafenone 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.
Primaquine belongs to Anti Parasitic; Propafenone belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic effects on cardiac conduction and repolarization (QT prolongation).
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible and use a non-QT-prolonging antimalarial. If it is unavoidable, monitor the ECG and electrolytes closely.
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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References
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 Propafenone
- Dofetilide + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nirmatrelvir + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Propafenone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Primaquine with Propafenone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Primaquine and Propafenone 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. Propafenone is a class 1C antiarrhythmic that prolongs QRS and may prolong QT, and it has proarrhythmic potential. Primaquine may add to this effect and raise the risk of serious arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Primaquine and Propafenone?
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 use a non-QT-prolonging antimalarial. If it is unavoidable, monitor the ECG and electrolytes closely.
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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