Drug interactions
Chloroquine + Perphenazine
Severity: Major
Chloroquine and Perphenazine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Perphenazine is metabolized by CYP2D6 and can prolong QT, while chloroquine inhibits CYP2D6 and also prolongs QT. The combination may raise perphenazine levels and increase the risk of arrhythmia and extrapyramidal effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloroquine and Perphenazine 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; Perphenazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation plus CYP2D6 inhibition reducing perphenazine metabolism.
What to do
Avoid if possible. If used together, monitor ECG, electrolytes and extrapyramidal symptoms and reduce the perphenazine dose as needed.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Chloroquine and Perphenazine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
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 Perphenazine
- Ibutilide + Perphenazine Contraindicated
- Perphenazine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Perphenazine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Perphenazine Major
- Alfentanil + Perphenazine Major
- Amiodarone + Perphenazine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloroquine with Perphenazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloroquine and Perphenazine 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. Perphenazine is metabolized by CYP2D6 and can prolong QT, while chloroquine inhibits CYP2D6 and also prolongs QT. The combination may raise perphenazine levels and increase the risk of arrhythmia and extrapyramidal effects.
How serious is the interaction between Chloroquine and Perphenazine?
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 if possible. If used together, monitor ECG, electrolytes and extrapyramidal symptoms and reduce the perphenazine dose as needed.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
