Drug interactions
Chloroquine + Oxaliplatin
Severity: Major
Chloroquine and Oxaliplatin: 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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, and oxaliplatin also causes electrolyte losses such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia that further raise torsades risk. The combination may be hazardous in patients with cardiac disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloroquine and Oxaliplatin 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; Oxaliplatin belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, compounded by chemotherapy-related electrolyte depletion.
What to do
Avoid combining where an alternative exists. If unavoidable, obtain a baseline ECG, replete potassium and magnesium, and monitor QTc periodically.
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 Oxaliplatin
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloroquine with Oxaliplatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloroquine and Oxaliplatin 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 can prolong the QT interval, and oxaliplatin also causes electrolyte losses such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia that further raise torsades risk. The combination may be hazardous in patients with cardiac disease.
How serious is the interaction between Chloroquine and Oxaliplatin?
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 combining where an alternative exists. If unavoidable, obtain a baseline ECG, replete potassium and magnesium, and monitor QTc periodically.
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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