Drug interactions
Chloroquine + Nortriptyline
Severity: Moderate
Chloroquine and Nortriptyline: 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 inhibits CYP2D6, raising nortriptyline levels, and both drugs can prolong the QT interval. The combination increases the risk of tricyclic toxicity and arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloroquine and Nortriptyline 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; Nortriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
CYP2D6 inhibition by chloroquine increases nortriptyline exposure, plus additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Obtain an ECG at baseline and during therapy and watch for anticholinergic or cardiac toxicity. Consider reducing the nortriptyline dose or checking its plasma level.
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 Nortriptyline
- Disopyramide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloroquine with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloroquine and Nortriptyline 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 inhibits CYP2D6, raising nortriptyline levels, and both drugs can prolong the QT interval. The combination increases the risk of tricyclic toxicity and arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Chloroquine and Nortriptyline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain an ECG at baseline and during therapy and watch for anticholinergic or cardiac toxicity. Consider reducing the nortriptyline dose or checking its plasma level.
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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