Drug interactions
Chloroquine + Clozapine
Severity: Major
Chloroquine and Clozapine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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 combining them raises the risk of torsades de pointes. Clozapine also carries risks of myocarditis and cardiomyopathy that may compound cardiac vulnerability.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloroquine and Clozapine 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; Clozapine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid if alternatives exist; if combined, monitor ECG/QTc and electrolytes and watch for syncope or palpitations.
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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References
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 Clozapine
- Clozapine + Deferiprone Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Irinotecan Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acalabrutinib + Clozapine Major
- Adagrasib + Clozapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloroquine with Clozapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloroquine and Clozapine 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 combining them raises the risk of torsades de pointes. Clozapine also carries risks of myocarditis and cardiomyopathy that may compound cardiac vulnerability.
How serious is the interaction between Chloroquine and Clozapine?
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 alternatives exist; if combined, monitor ECG/QTc and electrolytes and watch for syncope or palpitations.
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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