Drug interactions
Primaquine + Thioridazine
Severity: Major
Primaquine and Thioridazine: 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
Thioridazine strongly prolongs the QT interval and primaquine has some QT-prolonging potential. The combination may increase the risk of torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Primaquine and Thioridazine 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; Thioridazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid if possible, using an alternative antipsychotic during primaquine. If necessary, obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc and electrolytes.
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 Thioridazine
- Abiraterone + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Primaquine with Thioridazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Primaquine and Thioridazine 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. Thioridazine strongly prolongs the QT interval and primaquine has some QT-prolonging potential. The combination may increase the risk of torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Primaquine and Thioridazine?
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, using an alternative antipsychotic during primaquine. If necessary, obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc and electrolytes.
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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