Drug interactions
Chloroquine + Magnesium hydroxide
Severity: Moderate
Chloroquine and Magnesium hydroxide: 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
Antacids containing magnesium reduce the absorption of oral chloroquine. This can lower chloroquine levels and weaken its antimalarial or anti-inflammatory effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloroquine and Magnesium hydroxide 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; Magnesium hydroxide belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Magnesium hydroxide binds or adsorbs chloroquine and raises gastric pH in the gut, reducing its absorption.
What to do
Separate administration so that the antacid is taken at least 4 hours apart from chloroquine. Consider an alternative to the antacid if feasible.
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 Magnesium hydroxide
Other interactions of Chloroquine
- Chloroquine + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Panobinostat Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloroquine with Magnesium hydroxide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloroquine and Magnesium hydroxide 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. Antacids containing magnesium reduce the absorption of oral chloroquine. This can lower chloroquine levels and weaken its antimalarial or anti-inflammatory effect.
How serious is the interaction between Chloroquine and Magnesium hydroxide?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Separate administration so that the antacid is taken at least 4 hours apart from chloroquine. Consider an alternative to the antacid if feasible.
What other medicines interact with Magnesium hydroxide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Magnesium hydroxide with, for example, Ciprofloxacin, Dolutegravir, Gemifloxacin. The full list is on the Magnesium hydroxide page.
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