Drug interactions
Bedaquiline + Chloroquine
Severity: Major
Bedaquiline 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
Both agents prolong the QTc interval, so concurrent use raises the risk of torsades de pointes. Bedaquiline's long half-life means the effect persists after dosing stops.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bedaquiline 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.
Bedaquiline belongs to Anti Bacterial; Chloroquine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation via cardiac potassium channel blockade.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise obtain baseline and serial ECGs and correct electrolytes. Stop therapy if QTc becomes markedly prolonged or arrhythmia symptoms occur.
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
Other interactions of Bedaquiline
- Bedaquiline + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Alfuzosin + Bedaquiline Major
- Amiodarone + Bedaquiline Major
- Amisulpride + Bedaquiline Major
- Amitriptyline + Bedaquiline Major
- Amobarbital + Bedaquiline Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bedaquiline with Chloroquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bedaquiline 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. Both agents prolong the QTc interval, so concurrent use raises the risk of torsades de pointes. Bedaquiline's long half-life means the effect persists after dosing stops.
How serious is the interaction between Bedaquiline 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 if possible; otherwise obtain baseline and serial ECGs and correct electrolytes. Stop therapy if QTc becomes markedly prolonged or arrhythmia symptoms occur.
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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