Drug Interactions between Coartem and mefloquine

Using mefloquine at the same time or within 30 days of receiving artemether can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances (for example, magnesium or potassium loss due to severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting). Your doctor may need to perform special monitoring of your heart in order for you to safely use both medications. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these medications. Mefloquine may also interfere with the absorption of artemether into the bloodstream. If you have recently received mefloquine and are starting treatment with artemether, there is a possibility that artemether may not work as well to treat your malaria. You should take artemether with food to help with absorption of the medication. 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.

Using mefloquine at the same time or within 30 days of receiving lumefantrine can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances (for example, magnesium or potassium loss due to severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting). Your doctor may need to perform special monitoring of your heart in order for you to safely use both medications. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these medications. Mefloquine may also interfere with the absorption of lumefantrine into the bloodstream. If you have recently received mefloquine and are starting treatment with lumefantrine, there is a possibility that lumefantrine may not work as well to treat your malaria. You should take lumefantrine with food to help with absorption of the medication. 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.