Drug interactions
Chloroquine + Crizotinib
Severity: Major
Chloroquine and Crizotinib: 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
Crizotinib and chloroquine both prolong the QT interval, and crizotinib, as a CYP3A4 inhibitor, may raise chloroquine exposure further. This increases the risk of torsades de pointes and bradycardia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloroquine and Crizotinib 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; Crizotinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation with crizotinib CYP3A4 inhibition increasing chloroquine levels.
What to do
Avoid if possible; if used, monitor ECG and electrolytes regularly and interrupt or reduce crizotinib if QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
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 Crizotinib
- Crizotinib + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloroquine with Crizotinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloroquine and Crizotinib 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. Crizotinib and chloroquine both prolong the QT interval, and crizotinib, as a CYP3A4 inhibitor, may raise chloroquine exposure further. This increases the risk of torsades de pointes and bradycardia.
How serious is the interaction between Chloroquine and Crizotinib?
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; if used, monitor ECG and electrolytes regularly and interrupt or reduce crizotinib if QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
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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