Drug interactions
Chloroquine + Clofazimine
Severity: Major
Chloroquine and Clofazimine: 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 drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use may increase the risk of torsades de pointes. Risk is higher with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia or underlying cardiac disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloroquine and Clofazimine 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 belongs to Anti Parasitic; Clofazimine belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through cardiac potassium channel effects.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc during co-therapy, and correct potassium and magnesium. Avoid the combination if QTc is markedly prolonged or choose an alternative.
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 Clofazimine
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 Chloroquine with Clofazimine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloroquine and Clofazimine 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 drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use may increase the risk of torsades de pointes. Risk is higher with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia or underlying cardiac disease.
How serious is the interaction between Chloroquine and Clofazimine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc during co-therapy, and correct potassium and magnesium. Avoid the combination if QTc is markedly prolonged or choose an alternative.
What other medicines interact with Clofazimine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clofazimine with, for example, Adagrasib, Amisulpride, Azithromycin. The full list is on the Clofazimine page.
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