Drug interactions
Chloroquine + Ibutilide
Severity: Major
Chloroquine and Ibutilide: 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
Both drugs prolong the QT interval, and combining them raises the risk of torsades de pointes and other serious ventricular arrhythmias. Ibutilide already carries a significant proarrhythmic risk, so any added QT effect is clinically important.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloroquine and Ibutilide 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; Ibutilide belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of cardiac repolarization through potassium channel (hERG) blockade.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if chloroquine cannot be delayed, correct potassium and magnesium first. Provide continuous ECG monitoring during and after ibutilide infusion.
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 Ibutilide
- Amiodarone + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Dolasetron + Ibutilide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloroquine with Ibutilide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloroquine and Ibutilide 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 prolong the QT interval, and combining them raises the risk of torsades de pointes and other serious ventricular arrhythmias. Ibutilide already carries a significant proarrhythmic risk, so any added QT effect is clinically important.
How serious is the interaction between Chloroquine and Ibutilide?
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 chloroquine cannot be delayed, correct potassium and magnesium first. Provide continuous ECG monitoring during and after ibutilide infusion.
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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