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Interactions between Amiodarone and Diflucan

1 drug interaction and 21 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Major drug interactions

Major:

amiodarone fluconazole

Applies to: amiodarone and Diflucan (fluconazole)
Contraindicated

Coadministration with azole antifungal agents may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of amiodarone. The proposed mechanism is azole inhibition of CYP450 3A4, the isoenzyme responsible for the metabolic clearance of amiodarone. The use of amiodarone has been associated with prolongation of the QT interval, thus elevated plasma levels of the drug may potentiate the risk of ventricular arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia and torsade de pointes as well as cardiac arrest and sudden death. Within the azole antifungal class, ketoconazole and itraconazole are considered potent inhibitors, while fluconazole is comparatively less potent; however, clinically significant interactions and additive QT risk have been reported, particularly at higher fluconazole doses.

Management

Given the potential for serious and life-threatening adverse cardiac events associated with increased plasma levels of amiodarone, concomitant use with azole antifungal agents is considered contraindicated.

References (4)
  1. (2002) "Product Information. Cordarone (amiodarone)." Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories
  2. (2022) "Product Information. Cordarone (amiodarone)." Apothecon Inc
  3. Fabre G, Julian B, Saint-Aubert B, Joyeux H, Berger Y (1993) "Evidence for CYP3A-mediated N-deethylation of amiodarone in human liver microsomal fractions." Drug Metab Dispos, 21, p. 978-85
  4. (2025) "Product Information. Diflucan (fluconazole)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals Group

Food/lifestyle interactions

Major food/lifestyle interactions

Major:

amiodarone Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: amiodarone
Generally avoid

Grapefruit juice may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of orally administered amiodarone. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. In 11 nonsmoking, healthy volunteers, grapefruit juice (300 mL with drug administration, then 3 hours and 9 hours later) increased the mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of amiodarone (17 mg/kg single dose) by 84% and 50%, respectively, compared to water. Formation of the pharmacologically active metabolite, N-desethylamiodarone (N-DEA), was completely inhibited. Clinically, this interaction can lead to altered efficacy of amiodarone, since antiarrhythmic properties of amiodarone and N-DEA appear to differ. In the study, mean increases in PR and QTc intervals of 17.9% and 11.3%, respectively, were observed 6 hours postdose with water, while increases of 10.2% and 3.3%, respectively, were observed after administration with grapefruit juice.

Adjust dosing interval

Food increases the rate and extent of absorption of amiodarone. The mechanism appears to involve the effect of food-induced physiologic changes on drug release from its formulation. In 30 healthy volunteers, administration of a single 600 mg dose of amiodarone following a high-fat meal resulted in a Cmax and AUC that were 3.8 and 2.4 times the respective values under fasting conditions. The time to reach peak plasma concentration (Tmax) was decreased by 37%, indicating an increased rate of absorption. Mean Cmax and AUC for the active metabolite, N-DEA, also increased by 32% and 55%, respectively, but there was no change in the Tmax.

Management

Patients treated with oral amiodarone should avoid consumption of grapefruits and grapefruit juice. In addition, oral amiodarone should be administered consistently with regard to meals.

References (3)
  1. (2002) "Product Information. Cordarone (amiodarone)." Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories
  2. Libersa CC, Brique SA, Motte KB, et al. (2000) "Dramatic inhibition of amiodarone metabolism induced by grapefruit juice." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 49, p. 373-8
  3. Meng X, Mojaverian P, Doedee M, Lin E, Weinryb I, Chiang ST, Kowey PR (2001) "Bioavailability of Amiodarone tablets administered with and without food in healthy subjects." Am J Cardiol, 87, p. 432-5

Disease interactions

20 potential interactions Applies to: 18 conditions, including Underactive Thyroid, Heart Failure, Arrhythmia, Psoriasis, and Hypokalemia.

Arrhythmia

Moderate:

Diflucan

The fluconazole in Diflucan has a moderate potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Some azole antifungals have been associated with prolongation of the QT interval on the ECG. Rare cases of QT prolongation and torsade de pointes have been reported during postmarketing experience; such reports usually involved seriously ill patients with multiple confounding risk factors, such as structural heart disease, electrolyte abnormalities, and concomitant medications. These drugs should be administered with caution to patients with potentially proarrhythmic conditions, such as congenital/acquired QT prolongation, cardiomyopathy (especially when heart failure is present), sinus bradycardia, and existing symptomatic arrhythmias. Concomitant use with other medications that have potential to increase the risk of cardiotoxicity should be avoided.

Cardiogenic Shock

Major:

amiodarone

Amiodarone has a major potential interaction with Cardiogenic Shock.

The use of amiodarone is contraindicated for use in patients with cardiogenic shock, severe sinus node dysfunction causing marked sinus bradycardia, second- or third-degree AV block, or symptomatic bradycardia in the absence of a functioning pacemaker.

Heart Block

Major:

amiodarone

Amiodarone has a major potential interaction with Heart Block.

The use of amiodarone is contraindicated for use in patients with cardiogenic shock, severe sinus node dysfunction causing marked sinus bradycardia, second- or third-degree AV block, or symptomatic bradycardia in the absence of a functioning pacemaker.

Heart Failure

Major:

amiodarone

Amiodarone has a major potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Antiarrhythmic agents can induce severe hypotension (particularly with IV administration) or induce or worsen congestive heart failure (CHF). Patients with primary cardiomyopathy or inadequately compensated CHF are at increased risk. Antiarrhythmic agents should be administered cautiously and dosage and/or frequency of administration modified in patients with hypotension or adequately compensated CHF. Alternative therapy should be considered unless these conditions are secondary to cardiac arrhythmia.

Hemodialysis

Major:

amiodarone

Amiodarone has a major potential interaction with Hemodialysis.

Amiodarone and its active metabolite are not removed by hemodialysis.

Moderate:

Diflucan

The fluconazole in Diflucan has a moderate potential interaction with Hemodialysis.

Fluconazole is substantially removed by hemodialysis. Plasma levels of fluconazole has been shown to reduce by 50% following 3 hours of dialysis. Fluconazole should be administered after hemodialysis.

Hyperkalemia

Moderate:

amiodarone

Amiodarone has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperkalemia.

Electrolyte imbalance can alter the therapeutic effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia can reduce the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. In some cases, these disorders can exaggerate the degree of QTc prolongation and increase the potential for torsade de pointes. Hyperkalemia can potentiate the toxic effects of antiarrhythmic agents. Electrolyte imbalance should be corrected prior to initiating antiarrhythmic therapy. Clinical monitoring of cardiac function and electrolyte concentrations is recommended.

Hyperthyroidism

Moderate:

amiodarone

Amiodarone has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Amiodarone inhibits peripheral conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) and also contributes inorganic iodine that can result in altered thyroid function tests, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism. Therapy with amiodarone should be administered cautiously in patients with thyroid dysfunction. Clinical monitoring, including baseline and periodic evaluation of thyroid function is recommended. Modification of thyroid therapy may be necessary.

Hypokalemia

Moderate:

amiodarone

Amiodarone has a moderate potential interaction with Hypokalemia.

Electrolyte imbalance can alter the therapeutic effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia can reduce the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. In some cases, these disorders can exaggerate the degree of QTc prolongation and increase the potential for torsade de pointes. Hyperkalemia can potentiate the toxic effects of antiarrhythmic agents. Electrolyte imbalance should be corrected prior to initiating antiarrhythmic therapy. Clinical monitoring of cardiac function and electrolyte concentrations is recommended.

Hypotension

Major:

amiodarone

Amiodarone has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.

Antiarrhythmic agents can induce severe hypotension (particularly with IV administration) or induce or worsen congestive heart failure (CHF). Patients with primary cardiomyopathy or inadequately compensated CHF are at increased risk. Antiarrhythmic agents should be administered cautiously and dosage and/or frequency of administration modified in patients with hypotension or adequately compensated CHF. Alternative therapy should be considered unless these conditions are secondary to cardiac arrhythmia.

Liver Disease

Major:

Diflucan

The fluconazole in Diflucan has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

The use of fluconazole has been rarely associated with hepatotoxicity. Reversible idiosyncratic hepatitis, cholestasis and fatal fulminant hepatic failure have been reported, the latter occurring primarily in patients with serious underlying medical conditions and taking multiple concomitant medications. Liver function tests should be performed periodically in patients with preexisting hepatic abnormalities, particularly during prolonged therapy. Treatment should be withdrawn if persistent elevations or worsening of liver enzyme levels occur.

Moderate:

amiodarone

Amiodarone has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

There have been rare reports of fatal hepatocellular necrosis after treatment with amiodarone. In patients with life-threatening arrhythmias, the potential risk of hepatic injury should be weighed against the potential benefit of amiodarone therapy. Patients with hepatic impairment should be monitored for evidence of progressive hepatic injury. Consideration should be given to reducing the rate of administration or withdrawing treatment if needed.

Magnesium Imbalance

Moderate:

amiodarone

Amiodarone has a moderate potential interaction with Magnesium Imbalance.

Electrolyte imbalance can alter the therapeutic effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia can reduce the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic agents. In some cases, these disorders can exaggerate the degree of QTc prolongation and increase the potential for torsade de pointes. Hyperkalemia can potentiate the toxic effects of antiarrhythmic agents. Electrolyte imbalance should be corrected prior to initiating antiarrhythmic therapy. Clinical monitoring of cardiac function and electrolyte concentrations is recommended.

Neurological Disorders

Moderate:

amiodarone

Amiodarone has a moderate potential interaction with Neurological Disorders.

Reversible and dose-related nervous system toxicity such as dizziness, paresthesia, tremor and involuntary movements, lack of coordination, abnormal gait and ataxia is commonly noted in patients receiving amiodarone. Therapy with amiodarone should be administered cautiously and dosage modifications considered in patients with or predisposed to neurologic dysfunction.

Parkinsonism

Moderate:

amiodarone

Amiodarone has a moderate potential interaction with Parkinsonism.

Reversible and dose-related nervous system toxicity such as dizziness, paresthesia, tremor and involuntary movements, lack of coordination, abnormal gait and ataxia is commonly noted in patients receiving amiodarone. Therapy with amiodarone should be administered cautiously and dosage modifications considered in patients with or predisposed to neurologic dysfunction.

Psoriasis

Major:

amiodarone

Amiodarone has a major potential interaction with Psoriasis.

The use of certain antimalarial agents is contraindicated in patients with known prolongation of QT interval as these patients can develop fatal arrhythmias. These drugs should also be avoided in patients with clinical conditions known to prolong the QT interval, such as uncorrected hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, bradycardia, and certain other cardiac conditions. Caution is advised in patients taking other medications that can prolong the QT interval.

Pulmonary Impairment

Major:

amiodarone

Amiodarone has a major potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.

Pulmonary toxicities such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis or interstitial/alveolar pneumonitis are potentially fatal (approximately 10% of the time) and have occurred in as many as 10% to 17% of patients administered daily dosages of approximately 400 mg of amiodarone. More frequently, asymptomatic abnormal diffusion capacity has been observed. Patients with preexisting pulmonary dysfunction does not appear to have an increased risk of pulmonary toxicity; however, they have a poorer prognosis if toxicity does develop. Thus, the risks and benefits of amiodarone therapy should be weighed carefully. Clinical monitoring of pulmonary function, including chest X-ray (baseline and every 3 to 6 months) and pulmonary function tests (with diffusion capacity), is recommended in all patients receiving amiodarone therapy. Any new respiratory symptom during treatment should be evaluated promptly and thoroughly, since toxicity is more likely to be reversible if diagnosed and managed early. Patients who develop hypersensitivity pneumonitis should be withdrawn permanently from amiodarone therapy and treated with steroids. In the case of interstitial/alveolar pneumonitis, steroid therapy and dosage reduction or discontinuation of amiodarone, if possible, usually result in clinical improvement. Subsequent rechallenge with amiodarone at reduced dosages does not always lead to return of toxicity and may be considered in some patients. The use of a lower loading dose and maintenance doses may also decrease the incidence of amiodarone- induced pulmonary toxicity.

Renal Dysfunction

Moderate:

Diflucan

The fluconazole in Diflucan has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Fluconazole is primarily eliminated by the kidney. Patients with renal impairment may be at greater risk for adverse effects from fluconazole due to decreased drug clearance. Dosage adjustments are recommended for patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (CrCl <= 50 mL/min) receiving multiple doses of the drug.

Underactive Thyroid

Moderate:

amiodarone

Amiodarone has a moderate potential interaction with Underactive Thyroid.

Amiodarone inhibits peripheral conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) and also contributes inorganic iodine that can result in altered thyroid function tests, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism. Therapy with amiodarone should be administered cautiously in patients with thyroid dysfunction. Clinical monitoring, including baseline and periodic evaluation of thyroid function is recommended. Modification of thyroid therapy may be necessary.

Visual Defect/Disturbance

Major:

amiodarone

Amiodarone has a major potential interaction with Visual Defect/Disturbance.

Optic neuropathy and/or neuritis has occurred during administration of amiodarone and has resulted in visual impairment such as changes in visual acuity, decrease in peripheral vision, and blindness. Optic toxicity can occur at any time following initiation of amiodarone. Therapy with amiodarone should be administered cautiously in patients with visual defects. Regular ophthalmologic examinations including fundoscopy and slit- lamp examinations are recommended.

More resources

amiodarone

A total of 778 drugs are known to interact with amiodarone.

Diflucan

A total of 611 drugs are known to interact with Diflucan.

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.