Drug interactions
Chloroquine + Flecainide
Severity: Major
Chloroquine and Flecainide: 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 may inhibit CYP2D6 and raise flecainide concentrations, and both drugs can affect cardiac conduction and QT interval. This increases the risk of proarrhythmia including ventricular arrhythmias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloroquine and Flecainide 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; Flecainide belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
CYP2D6 inhibition raises flecainide levels, with additive effects on cardiac conduction and repolarization.
What to do
Avoid if possible; if used together, monitor ECG (QRS and QTc) and flecainide plasma levels and reduce the dose as 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 Flecainide
- Flecainide + Nirmatrelvir Contraindicated
- Flecainide + Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir Contraindicated
- Flecainide + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Flecainide + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Flecainide + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Flecainide + Tipranavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloroquine with Flecainide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloroquine and Flecainide 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 raise flecainide concentrations, and both drugs can affect cardiac conduction and QT interval. This increases the risk of proarrhythmia including ventricular arrhythmias.
How serious is the interaction between Chloroquine and Flecainide?
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 together, monitor ECG (QRS and QTc) and flecainide plasma levels and reduce the dose as 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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