Drug interactions
Buprenorphine transdermal + Chloroquine
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine transdermal 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
Transdermal buprenorphine carries a labeled QT prolongation warning, and chloroquine also prolongs QT. Combined use may increase the risk of torsades de pointes, especially at higher doses or with other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine transdermal 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
Additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG in at-risk patients, correct electrolytes and monitor for arrhythmia symptoms. Consider an alternative antimalarial or analgesic if risk factors are present.
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 Buprenorphine transdermal with Chloroquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine transdermal 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. Transdermal buprenorphine carries a labeled QT prolongation warning, and chloroquine also prolongs QT. Combined use may increase the risk of torsades de pointes, especially at higher doses or with other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine transdermal 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: Obtain a baseline ECG in at-risk patients, correct electrolytes and monitor for arrhythmia symptoms. Consider an alternative antimalarial or analgesic if risk factors are present.
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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