Drug interactions
Chloroquine + Fluphenazine
Severity: Major
Chloroquine and Fluphenazine: 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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, and chloroquine's CYP2D6 inhibition may increase fluphenazine exposure. This raises the risk of arrhythmia and extrapyramidal or sedative effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloroquine and Fluphenazine 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; Fluphenazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation plus CYP2D6 inhibition by chloroquine reducing fluphenazine metabolism.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible. If it is required, monitor ECG and electrolytes and watch for extrapyramidal symptoms, adjusting the fluphenazine 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 Fluphenazine
- Arsenic trioxide + Fluphenazine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Fluphenazine Contraindicated
- Fluphenazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Fluphenazine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Fluphenazine Major
- Alfentanil + Fluphenazine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloroquine with Fluphenazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloroquine and Fluphenazine 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. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, and chloroquine's CYP2D6 inhibition may increase fluphenazine exposure. This raises the risk of arrhythmia and extrapyramidal or sedative effects.
How serious is the interaction between Chloroquine and Fluphenazine?
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 the combination where possible. If it is required, monitor ECG and electrolytes and watch for extrapyramidal symptoms, adjusting the fluphenazine 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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