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Drug interactions

Aluminum hydroxide + Chloroquine

Severity: Moderate

Aluminum hydroxide and Chloroquine: moderate interaction.

Last updated

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Summary

Aluminum-containing antacids reduce the absorption of chloroquine. Lower exposure could compromise treatment or prophylaxis of malaria or efficacy in rheumatic disease.

What this interaction means in plain words

Aluminum hydroxide and Chloroquine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Aluminum hydroxide belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Chloroquine belongs to Anti Parasitic.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Aluminum binds chloroquine in the gut, and the antacid may also impair absorption, decreasing bioavailability.

What to do

Give the antacid at least 4 hours apart from chloroquine. Monitor therapeutic response if separation is not feasible.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Aluminum hydroxide with Chloroquine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Aluminum hydroxide and Chloroquine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Aluminum-containing antacids reduce the absorption of chloroquine. Lower exposure could compromise treatment or prophylaxis of malaria or efficacy in rheumatic disease.

How serious is the interaction between Aluminum hydroxide and Chloroquine?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Give the antacid at least 4 hours apart from chloroquine. Monitor therapeutic response if separation is not feasible.

What other medicines interact with Aluminum hydroxide?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Aluminum hydroxide with, for example, Ciprofloxacin, Deferasirox, Dolutegravir. The full list is on the Aluminum hydroxide page.

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