Drug interactions
Chloroquine + Fluoxetine
Severity: Moderate
Chloroquine and Fluoxetine: moderate 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
Fluoxetine can prolong the QT interval and is itself a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor and substrate, while chloroquine also prolongs QT. Together they may add to the risk of arrhythmia, and chloroquine's CYP2D6 inhibition may slightly increase fluoxetine levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloroquine and Fluoxetine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Chloroquine belongs to Anti Parasitic; Fluoxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with minor CYP2D6 inhibition by chloroquine.
What to do
Check a baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor QTc, particularly with other risk factors. Consider an alternative antimalarial if QTc becomes prolonged.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Fluoxetine
- Fluoxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloroquine with Fluoxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloroquine and Fluoxetine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Fluoxetine can prolong the QT interval and is itself a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor and substrate, while chloroquine also prolongs QT. Together they may add to the risk of arrhythmia, and chloroquine's CYP2D6 inhibition may slightly increase fluoxetine levels.
How serious is the interaction between Chloroquine and Fluoxetine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check a baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor QTc, particularly with other risk factors. Consider an alternative antimalarial if QTc becomes 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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