Quinine/Ritonavir
This information is generalized and not intended as specific medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional before taking or discontinuing any drug or commencing any course of treatment.
Medical warning:
Serious. These medicines may interact and cause very harmful effects. Contact your healthcare professional (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) for more information.
How the interaction occurs:
Ritonavir may slow down how quickly your body processes quinine.
What might happen:
The amount of quinine in your blood may increase and cause more side effects than expected, including changes in your heart's rhythm, which may be life threatening.
What you should do about this interaction:
Make sure your healthcare professionals (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) know that you are taking these medicines together. Let your doctor know right away if you notice an irregular heartbeat or have any fainting episodes. Let your doctor know if you experience headaches, flushing, sweating, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, changes in your hearing or vision, or abdominal pain.Your healthcare professionals may already be aware of this interaction and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
References:
1.Qualaquin (quinine sulfate) US prescribing information. AR Scientific, Inc. February, 2013.
2.Soyinka JO, Onyeji CO, Omoruyi SI, Owolabi AR, Sarma PV, Cook JM. Pharmacokinetic interactions between ritonavir and quinine in healthy volunteers following concurrent administration. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2010 Mar;69(3):262-70.
