Amiodarone with Gatifloxacin Interaction Details
Brand Names Associated with Amiodarone
- Amiodarone
- Cordarone®
- Pacerone®
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Feb 27, 2024
Interaction Effect
An increased risk of cardiotoxicity (QT prolongation, torsades de pointes, cardiac arrest)
Interaction Summary
Gatifloxacin may have the potential to prolong the QT interval in some patients, which may result in ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and torsades de pointes. Due to potential for additive effects, concomitant use of gatifloxacin and class III antiarrhythmic agents should be avoided. Pharmacokinetic studies involving gatifloxacin and drugs that prolong the QT interval have not been performed. The possibility of QT prolongation may increase with increasing concentrations of gatifloxacin, therefore, the recommended dose should not be exceeded[1].
Severity
Major
Onset
Unspecified
Evidence
Theoretical
How To Manage Interaction
Because of the potential for additive effects on the QT interval, the concurrent administration of gatifloxacin and class III antiarrhythmics is not recommended[1].
Mechanism Of Interaction
Additive effects on QT prolongation
Literature Reports
A) Concurrent use of class III antiarrhythmic agents and other drugs that can prolong the QT interval, such as gatifloxacin, is not recommended. Dofetilide should be stopped for at least 2 days before any interacting drug is initiated. If concurrent use cannot be avoided, cautious dosing and telemetric monitoring is advised [2].
References
1 ) Product Information: TEQUIN(R) oral tablets, injection, gatifloxacin oral tablets, injection. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ, 2006.
2 ) Yamreudeewong W, DeBisschop M, Martin LG, et al: Potentially significant drug interactions of class III antiarrhythmic drugs. Drug Safety 2003; 26(6):421-438.
Amiodarone Overview
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Amiodarone is used to treat and prevent certain types of serious, life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (a certain type of abnormal heart rhythm when other medications did not help or could not be tolerated. Amiodarone is in a class of medications called antiarrhythmics. It works by relaxing overactive heart muscles.
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Definitions
Severity Categories
Contraindicated
These drugs, generally, should not be used together simultaneously due to the high risk of severe adverse effects. Combining these medications can lead to dangerous health outcomes and should be strictly avoided unless otherwise instructed by your provider.
Major
This interaction could result in very serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. If you are taking this drug combination, it is very important to be under close medical supervision to minimize severe side effects and ensure your safety. It may be necessary to change a medication or dosage to prevent harm.
Moderate
This interaction has the potential to worsen your medical condition or alter the effectiveness of your treatment. It's important that you are monitored closely and you potentially may need to make adjustments in your treatment plan or drug dosage to maintain optimal health.
Minor
While this interaction is unlikely to cause significant problems, it could intensify side effects or reduce the effectiveness of one or both medications. Monitoring for changes in symptoms and your condition is recommended, and adjustments may be made if needed to manage any increased or more pronounced side effects.
Onset
Rapid: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs within 24 hours of co-administration.
Delayed: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs more than 24 hours after co-administration.
Evidence
Level of documentation of the interaction.
Established: The interaction is documented and substantiated in peer-reviewed medical literature.
Theoretical: This interaction is not fully supported by current medical evidence or well-documented sources, but it is based on known drug mechanisms, drug effects, and other relevant information.
How To Manage The Interaction
Provides a detailed discussion on how patients and clinicians can approach the identified drug interaction as well as offers guidance on what to expect and strategies to potentially mitigate the effects of the interaction. This may include recommendations on adjusting medication dosages, altering the timing of drug administration, or closely monitoring for specific symptoms.
It's important to note that all medical situations are unique, and management approaches should be tailored to individual circumstances. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance on managing drug interactions effectively.
Mechanism Of Interaction
The theorized or clinically determined reason (i.e., mechanism) why the drug-drug interaction occurs.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific circumstances and medical conditions.
Where Does Our Information Come From?
Information for our drug interactions is compiled from several drug compendia, including:
The prescribing information for each drug, as published on DailyMED, is also used.
Individual drug-drug interaction detail pages contain references specific to that interaction. You can click on the reference number within brackets '[]' to see what reference was utilized.
The information posted is fact-checked by HelloPharmacist clinicians and reviewed quarterly.