Drug interactions
Quinacrine + Tramadol
Severity: Moderate
Quinacrine and Tramadol: moderate 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
Quinacrine may inhibit CYP2D6, which converts tramadol into its more potent opioid metabolite O-desmethyltramadol. This could reduce analgesic efficacy while leaving parent tramadol, with its serotonergic and noradrenergic activity, relatively higher.
What this interaction means in plain words
Quinacrine and Tramadol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP2D6-mediated conversion of tramadol to O-desmethyltramadol.
What to do
Monitor for inadequate pain relief and consider an analgesic not dependent on CYP2D6 activation if response is poor. Watch for serotonergic adverse effects.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Tramadol
- Isocarboxazid + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Safinamide + Tramadol Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Quinacrine with Tramadol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Quinacrine and Tramadol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Quinacrine may inhibit CYP2D6, which converts tramadol into its more potent opioid metabolite O-desmethyltramadol. This could reduce analgesic efficacy while leaving parent tramadol, with its serotonergic and noradrenergic activity, relatively higher.
How serious is the interaction between Quinacrine and Tramadol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for inadequate pain relief and consider an analgesic not dependent on CYP2D6 activation if response is poor. Watch for serotonergic adverse effects.
What other medicines interact with Tramadol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tramadol with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Tramadol page.
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