Drug interactions
Chloroquine + Moxifloxacin
Severity: Major
Chloroquine and Moxifloxacin: 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, so together they increase the risk of torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death. Moxifloxacin has notable QT effect and chloroquine also carries a recognized arrhythmia risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloroquine and Moxifloxacin 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; Moxifloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive blockade of cardiac potassium channels producing QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and select an antibiotic without QT effect. If unavoidable, monitor ECG and keep potassium and magnesium normal.
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 Moxifloxacin
- Amiodarone + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
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 Moxifloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloroquine and Moxifloxacin 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, so together they increase the risk of torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death. Moxifloxacin has notable QT effect and chloroquine also carries a recognized arrhythmia risk.
How serious is the interaction between Chloroquine and Moxifloxacin?
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 and select an antibiotic without QT effect. If unavoidable, monitor ECG and keep potassium and magnesium normal.
What other medicines interact with Moxifloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Moxifloxacin with, for example, Amiodarone, Arsenic trioxide, Disopyramide. The full list is on the Moxifloxacin page.
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