Friday 23 October 2015

WHAT HAPPENS WITH COARTEM, LONART, AMATEM AND CIPRO?

Using lumefantrine (a component of Coartem, Lonart, Amatem, Lumartem, etc) together with ciprofloxacin (the main ingredient in Ciprotab, Ultraflox, Cenox, Ciprogem) 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). Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is
monitoring you closely for any potential complications.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these medications, whether together or alone. Because lumefantrine can stay in your blood for
a prolonged period after the last dose, interactions with other drugs may occur for some time even after you have stopped taking it. 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.

Courtesy of Drugs.com and retrieved today, October 24, 2015

PHARMA-GUIDE DIGEST wishes you a blissful weekend!