Drug interactions
Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate + Chloroquine
Severity: Moderate
Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate 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
Antacid components can bind chloroquine in the gut and lower its absorption, which may reduce antimalarial or antirheumatic efficacy. Buffered effervescent products also alter gastric pH.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate 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.
Why it happens
Reduced chloroquine absorption through binding to cations and increased gastric pH.
What to do
Separate administration by at least 4 hours, giving chloroquine first where practical.
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?
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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 Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate with Chloroquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate 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. Antacid components can bind chloroquine in the gut and lower its absorption, which may reduce antimalarial or antirheumatic efficacy. Buffered effervescent products also alter gastric pH.
How serious is the interaction between Aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate 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: Separate administration by at least 4 hours, giving chloroquine first where practical.
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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