Drug interactions
Chloroquine + Escitalopram
Severity: Major
Chloroquine and Escitalopram: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 and escitalopram both lengthen the QT interval, which increases the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with higher escitalopram doses or electrolyte disturbances.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloroquine and Escitalopram 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; Escitalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through cardiac potassium channel blockade.
What to do
Avoid if feasible; if combined, monitor ECG and correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, using the lowest effective escitalopram dose.
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 Escitalopram
- Cisapride + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloroquine with Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloroquine and Escitalopram 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 and escitalopram both lengthen the QT interval, which increases the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with higher escitalopram doses or electrolyte disturbances.
How serious is the interaction between Chloroquine and Escitalopram?
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 feasible; if combined, monitor ECG and correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, using the lowest effective escitalopram dose.
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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