Drug interactions
Primaquine + Quinine
Severity: Major
Primaquine and Quinine: 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
Both antimalarials can prolong the QT interval, so combined use may increase the risk of torsades de pointes. Both can also cause hemolysis in G6PD deficiency.
What this interaction means in plain words
Primaquine and Quinine 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; Quinine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes and monitor ECG during co-use. Check G6PD status before primaquine.
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 Quinine
- Arsenic trioxide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Quinine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Quinine Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Quinine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Primaquine
- Pimozide + Primaquine Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Primaquine Major
- Amisulpride + Primaquine Major
- Anagrelide + Primaquine Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Primaquine Major
- Asenapine + Primaquine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Primaquine with Quinine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Primaquine and Quinine 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 antimalarials can prolong the QT interval, so combined use may increase the risk of torsades de pointes. Both can also cause hemolysis in G6PD deficiency.
How serious is the interaction between Primaquine and Quinine?
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, correct electrolytes and monitor ECG during co-use. Check G6PD status before primaquine.
What other medicines interact with Quinine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Quinine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Quinine page.
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