Drug interactions
Quinine + Schisandra
Severity: Moderate
Quinine 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 constituents inhibit CYP3A4 in vitro and in some human studies, which could raise quinine levels. Clinical data are limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Quinine 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 lignans inhibit CYP3A4, reducing quinine metabolism.
What to do
Advise avoiding schisandra products during quinine therapy. If used, monitor for cinchonism and QT 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 Quinine
- Arsenic trioxide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Quinine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Quinine Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Quinine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Quinine with Schisandra?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Quinine 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 constituents inhibit CYP3A4 in vitro and in some human studies, which could raise quinine levels. Clinical data are limited.
How serious is the interaction between Quinine 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: Advise avoiding schisandra products during quinine therapy. If used, monitor for cinchonism and QT effects.
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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