Drug interactions
Chloroquine + Lefamulin
Severity: Major
Chloroquine and Lefamulin: major 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
Lefamulin inhibits CYP3A4 and itself prolongs the QT interval, and chloroquine also prolongs the QT interval. Together they can increase the risk of torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloroquine and Lefamulin 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; Lefamulin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with CYP3A4 inhibition by lefamulin possibly raising chloroquine exposure.
What to do
Avoid the combination; if needed, use an alternative antibiotic, or obtain ECG and electrolyte monitoring.
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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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 Lefamulin
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Pimavanserin Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Alfuzosin + Lefamulin Major
- Amiodarone + Lefamulin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloroquine with Lefamulin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloroquine and Lefamulin 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. Lefamulin inhibits CYP3A4 and itself prolongs the QT interval, and chloroquine also prolongs the QT interval. Together they can increase the risk of torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Chloroquine and Lefamulin?
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; if needed, use an alternative antibiotic, or obtain ECG and electrolyte monitoring.
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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