Skip to main content

Drug Interactions between Coartem and Correctol Herbal Tea Laxative

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

Edit list (add/remove drugs)

Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

senna artemether

Applies to: Correctol Herbal Tea Laxative (senna) and Coartem (artemether / lumefantrine)

Consumer information for this interaction is not currently available.

MONITOR: Bowel cleansing as well as overuse of certain laxatives may cause electrolyte loss and increase the risk of torsade de pointes ventricular arrhythmia in patients treated with drugs that prolong the QT interval. Electrolyte disturbances including hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia have been reported with laxative abuse and are known risk factors for torsade de pointes associated with QT interval prolongation.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with drugs that prolong the QT interval should exercise caution when self-medicating with laxatives. The recommended dosage and duration of use should not be exceeded. Patients treated with lactulose for more than six months should be monitored periodically for electrolyte imbalance. Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope.

References

  1. Chin RL "Laxative-induced hypokalemia." Ann Emerg Med 32 (1998): 517-8
  2. Muller-Lissner SA "Adverse effects of laxatives: fact and fiction." Pharmacology 47 (1993): 138-45
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  4. Canadian Pharmacists Association "e-CPS. http://www.pharmacists.ca/function/Subscriptions/ecps.cfm?link=eCPS_quikLink" (2006):
  5. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  6. Schaefer DC, Cheskin LJ "Constipation in the elderly." Am Fam Physician 58 (1998): 907-14
View all 6 references
Moderate

senna lumefantrine

Applies to: Correctol Herbal Tea Laxative (senna) and Coartem (artemether / lumefantrine)

Lumefantrine can cause an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. The risk is increased if you have low blood levels of magnesium or potassium, which can occur with bowel cleansing preparations or excessive use of medications that have a laxative effect. Do not exceed the dose and duration of use of senna recommended on the product label or prescribed by your doctor. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these medications. In addition, you should let your doctor know if you experience signs and symptoms of low magnesium or potassium blood level such as weakness, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, tingling, numbness, muscle pain, cramps, nausea, or vomiting. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Drug and food interactions

Moderate

lumefantrine food

Applies to: Coartem (artemether / lumefantrine)

Each dose of lumefantrine should be taken with food such as milk, infant formula, pudding, porridge, or broth. Food helps the medication get absorbed into the bloodstream, so the medication may not work as well when taken on an empty stomach. If unable to be swallowed whole, lumefantrine tablets may be crushed and mixed with one to two teaspoons of water in a clean container and consumed immediately after mixing. The container should then be rinsed with more water and the contents consumed. This should be followed by eating as soon as possible. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice during treatment with lumefantrine. Grapefruit juice can cause too much of the medication to be in the blood. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Switch to professional interaction data

Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

See also

Report options

Loading...
QR code containing a link to this page

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.

Medical Disclaimer