Drug interactions
Artemether / lumefantrine + Chloroquine
Severity: Major
Artemether / lumefantrine and Chloroquine: major 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 and artemether/lumefantrine are both associated with QTc prolongation, and combined use increases the risk of torsades de pointes. Labeling for artemether/lumefantrine advises against combination with other QT-prolonging drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether / lumefantrine and Chloroquine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive inhibition of cardiac repolarization leading to QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use and choose another antimalarial regimen where possible; if unavoidable, check ECG and electrolytes and monitor the QTc.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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 Artemether / lumefantrine with Chloroquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Artemether / lumefantrine and Chloroquine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Chloroquine and artemether/lumefantrine are both associated with QTc prolongation, and combined use increases the risk of torsades de pointes. Labeling for artemether/lumefantrine advises against combination with other QT-prolonging drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether / lumefantrine and Chloroquine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use and choose another antimalarial regimen where possible; if unavoidable, check ECG and electrolytes and monitor the QTc.
What other medicines interact with Chloroquine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chloroquine with, for example, Cisapride, Dofetilide, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Chloroquine page.
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