Drug interactions
Chloroquine + Desipramine
Severity: Major
Chloroquine and Desipramine: 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
Chloroquine may inhibit CYP2D6 and increase desipramine exposure, and both drugs prolong the QT interval. The combination raises the risk of arrhythmia and tricyclic toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloroquine and Desipramine 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; Desipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
CYP2D6 inhibition increases desipramine levels, with additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise monitor ECG and desipramine levels, and lower the desipramine dose if needed.
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 Desipramine
- Desipramine + Disopyramide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloroquine with Desipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloroquine and Desipramine 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 may inhibit CYP2D6 and increase desipramine exposure, and both drugs prolong the QT interval. The combination raises the risk of arrhythmia and tricyclic toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Chloroquine and Desipramine?
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; otherwise monitor ECG and desipramine levels, and lower the desipramine dose if needed.
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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