Drug interactions
Chloral hydrate + Mefloquine
Severity: Moderate
Chloral hydrate and Mefloquine: 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
Chloral hydrate's active metabolite trichloroethanol has been associated with arrhythmias and possible QT prolongation. Together with mefloquine, the risk of ventricular arrhythmia may increase, and additive CNS effects may occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloral hydrate and Mefloquine 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.
Chloral hydrate belongs to Central Nervous System; Mefloquine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Possible additive QT prolongation and overlapping CNS effects.
What to do
Choose a different sedative-hypnotic if possible. If used together, check an ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors and correct electrolyte abnormalities.
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 Mefloquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Chloral hydrate
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Chloral hydrate Contraindicated
- Chloral hydrate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Chloral hydrate Major
- Alprazolam + Chloral hydrate Major
- Amobarbital + Chloral hydrate Major
- Belladonna and opium + Chloral hydrate Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloral hydrate with Mefloquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloral hydrate and Mefloquine 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. Chloral hydrate's active metabolite trichloroethanol has been associated with arrhythmias and possible QT prolongation. Together with mefloquine, the risk of ventricular arrhythmia may increase, and additive CNS effects may occur.
How serious is the interaction between Chloral hydrate and Mefloquine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Choose a different sedative-hypnotic if possible. If used together, check an ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors and correct electrolyte abnormalities.
What other medicines interact with Mefloquine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Mefloquine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dronedarone, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Mefloquine page.
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