Skip to content

Drug interactions

Quinine + Ranolazine

Severity: Major

Quinine and Ranolazine: major 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

Ranolazine prolongs the QT interval in a dose-related way, and quinine adds to this effect. Quinine may also inhibit CYP3A4 and P-gp, increasing ranolazine exposure.

What this interaction means in plain words

Quinine and Ranolazine 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.

Quinine belongs to Anti Parasitic; Ranolazine belongs to Cardiovascular.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive QT prolongation, with quinine inhibition of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein raising ranolazine levels.

What to do

Avoid if possible; if used together, monitor ECG and electrolytes and limit ranolazine to the lowest effective dose.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

Pro+ members

Unlock the full page

Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Quinine and Ranolazine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.

  • Full clinical management advice
  • Additional notes
  • Evidence detail
  • Interaction checker for a whole prescription

Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Quinine with Ranolazine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Quinine and Ranolazine 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. Ranolazine prolongs the QT interval in a dose-related way, and quinine adds to this effect. Quinine may also inhibit CYP3A4 and P-gp, increasing ranolazine exposure.

How serious is the interaction between Quinine and Ranolazine?

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; if used together, monitor ECG and electrolytes and limit ranolazine to the lowest effective dose.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

Browse A–Z · Drug interactions

Get the app Sign in