Drug interactions
Ampicillin-sulbactam + Chloroquine
Severity: Minor
Ampicillin-sulbactam and Chloroquine: minor 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
Chloroquine may reduce the oral absorption of ampicillin, potentially lowering antibiotic levels. This applies only when both are taken orally, whereas ampicillin-sulbactam is given parenterally, so the practical relevance is minimal.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ampicillin-sulbactam and Chloroquine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Ampicillin-sulbactam belongs to Anti Bacterial; Chloroquine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Reduced gastrointestinal absorption of oral ampicillin when given with chloroquine.
What to do
No action is needed with intravenous ampicillin-sulbactam; if oral ampicillin is used, separate doses from chloroquine by at least 2 hours.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Ampicillin-sulbactam
Other interactions of Chloroquine
- Chloroquine + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Panobinostat Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ampicillin-sulbactam with Chloroquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ampicillin-sulbactam and Chloroquine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Chloroquine may reduce the oral absorption of ampicillin, potentially lowering antibiotic levels. This applies only when both are taken orally, whereas ampicillin-sulbactam is given parenterally, so the practical relevance is minimal.
How serious is the interaction between Ampicillin-sulbactam and Chloroquine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No action is needed with intravenous ampicillin-sulbactam; if oral ampicillin is used, separate doses from chloroquine by at least 2 hours.
What other medicines interact with Ampicillin-sulbactam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ampicillin-sulbactam with, for example, Methotrexate, Allopurinol, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Ampicillin-sulbactam page.
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