Does Mefloquine Hydrochloride Interact with Ketoconazole?
Mefloquine Hydrochloride and Ketoconazole have a contraindicated drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Should not be administered with mefloquine or within 15 weeks of last mefloquine dose due to risk of potentially fatal QTc interval prolongation. Increases mefloquine Cmax by 64% and AUC by 79%. The mechanism involves cyp3a4 inhibition; qtc interval prolongation. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Contraindicated
- Ketoconazole Class
- Azole Antifungal
- Management
- Do not take together
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
How This Interaction Works
The interaction between Mefloquine Hydrochloride and Ketoconazole occurs because cyp3a4 inhibition; qtc interval prolongation. Clinically, this means should not be administered with mefloquine or within 15 weeks of last mefloquine dose due to risk of potentially fatal qtc interval prolongation. increases mefloquine cmax by 64% and auc by 79%. Because of the severity of this interaction, these medications are contraindicated — meaning they should not be taken together under any circumstances. If you are currently taking both, contact your healthcare provider immediately to discuss alternatives.
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Mefloquine Hydrochloride and your doctor is considering prescribing Ketoconazole (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask about alternative medications that do not interact with your current regimen
- Ask how frequently you should be monitored while these are co-prescribed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider