Drug interactions
Chloroquine + Imipramine
Severity: Moderate
Chloroquine and Imipramine: 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
Chloroquine can raise imipramine exposure because it inhibits CYP2D6, which clears imipramine and its active metabolite. Higher tricyclic levels increase anticholinergic effects, sedation, and cardiac conduction effects. Both drugs can also prolong the QT interval.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloroquine and Imipramine 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; Imipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Chloroquine inhibits CYP2D6-mediated metabolism of imipramine, and both drugs have additive QT-prolonging effects.
What to do
Monitor ECG and for tricyclic adverse effects when combining. Consider reducing the imipramine dose or checking tricyclic levels if toxicity appears.
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 Imipramine
- Dronedarone + Imipramine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Imipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloroquine with Imipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloroquine and Imipramine 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 can raise imipramine exposure because it inhibits CYP2D6, which clears imipramine and its active metabolite. Higher tricyclic levels increase anticholinergic effects, sedation, and cardiac conduction effects. Both drugs can also prolong the QT interval.
How serious is the interaction between Chloroquine and Imipramine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor ECG and for tricyclic adverse effects when combining. Consider reducing the imipramine dose or checking tricyclic levels if toxicity appears.
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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