Drug interactions
Quinidine + Schisandra
Severity: Moderate
Quinidine and Schisandra: 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
Schisandra lignans inhibit CYP3A4 in some studies, which could reduce the metabolism of quinidine and increase its plasma levels. This may raise the risk of QT prolongation and arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Quinidine and Schisandra 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
Schisandra constituents may inhibit CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, reducing quinidine clearance.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use of schisandra products where possible. If they are used together, monitor the ECG QTc interval and quinidine serum concentrations.
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 Quinidine
- Adagrasib + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Quinidine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Quinidine with Schisandra?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Quinidine and Schisandra 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. Schisandra lignans inhibit CYP3A4 in some studies, which could reduce the metabolism of quinidine and increase its plasma levels. This may raise the risk of QT prolongation and arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Quinidine and Schisandra?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use of schisandra products where possible. If they are used together, monitor the ECG QTc interval and quinidine serum concentrations.
What other medicines interact with Quinidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Quinidine with, for example, Adagrasib, Arsenic trioxide, Artemether / lumefantrine. The full list is on the Quinidine page.
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