Drug interactions
Chloroquine + Rabies vaccine
Severity: Moderate
Chloroquine and Rabies vaccine: 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 given during intradermal rabies pre-exposure vaccination has been reported to lower the antibody response. This could reduce protection, although the clinical relevance is uncertain with intramuscular dosing.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloroquine and Rabies vaccine 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.
Why it happens
Possible dampening of the immune response to the vaccine; the exact mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Prefer the intramuscular route when the patient is on chloroquine prophylaxis, and complete the series ahead of starting antimalarials where feasible. Check rabies antibody titers if exposure risk is ongoing.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloroquine with Rabies vaccine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloroquine and Rabies vaccine 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 given during intradermal rabies pre-exposure vaccination has been reported to lower the antibody response. This could reduce protection, although the clinical relevance is uncertain with intramuscular dosing.
How serious is the interaction between Chloroquine and Rabies vaccine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer the intramuscular route when the patient is on chloroquine prophylaxis, and complete the series ahead of starting antimalarials where feasible. Check rabies antibody titers if exposure risk is ongoing.
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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