Drug interactions
Chloroquine + Isoflurane
Severity: Moderate
Chloroquine and Isoflurane: 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 prolongs the QT interval and isoflurane can also lengthen repolarization under anesthesia. Together they may increase the chance of torsades de pointes during the perioperative period.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloroquine and Isoflurane 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; Isoflurane belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of ventricular repolarization through potassium channel effects.
What to do
Review recent chloroquine use before elective anesthesia and check a baseline ECG and electrolytes. Keep potassium and magnesium normal and monitor the ECG continuously during surgery.
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 Isoflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloroquine with Isoflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloroquine and Isoflurane 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 prolongs the QT interval and isoflurane can also lengthen repolarization under anesthesia. Together they may increase the chance of torsades de pointes during the perioperative period.
How serious is the interaction between Chloroquine and Isoflurane?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Review recent chloroquine use before elective anesthesia and check a baseline ECG and electrolytes. Keep potassium and magnesium normal and monitor the ECG continuously during surgery.
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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