Drug Interaction Report

Lumefantrine and Foscarnet Injection: Interaction Details

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Lumefantrine

No brand names on record
+

Foscarnet Injection

Foscavir Foscavir®
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Updated Aug 8, 2026
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Interaction severity
Major
Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 113 documented Lumefantrine interactions, 75 are rated major — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
unspecified
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Major

What happens

Increased risk of QT interval prolongation

Interaction Deep Dive

Avoid concomitant use of foscarnet with agents known to prolong the QT interval, including Class IA or Class III antiarrhythmic agents, phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants, and certain macrolides and fluoroquinolones. If coadministration is necessary, use foscarnet with caution and obtain an ECG prior to the start of treatment and periodically during treatment. QT interval prolongation and torsade de pointes have been reported in patients receiving foscarnet; some of these patients were also receiving concomitant medications known to prolong the QT interval1.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Additive QT interval prolongation

Common questions

Can I take Lumefantrine and Foscarnet Injection together?

Increased risk of QT interval prolongation Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Lumefantrine and Foscarnet Injection interaction?

It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Lumefantrine or Foscarnet Injection need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?

References (1)

  1. Product Information: FOSCAVIR(R) intravenous injection, foscarnet sodium intravenous injection. Hospira, Inc. (per FDA), Lake Forest, IL, 2017. DailyMed
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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.