Drug interactions
Chloroquine + Remdesivir
Severity: Moderate
Chloroquine and Remdesivir: 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
In laboratory studies chloroquine reduced the antiviral activity of remdesivir by interfering with its intracellular conversion to the active triphosphate metabolite. Clinical relevance is uncertain, but concurrent use could reduce remdesivir effectiveness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloroquine and Remdesivir 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; Remdesivir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Chloroquine antagonises intracellular metabolic activation of remdesivir, as shown in vitro.
What to do
Avoid coadministering chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine with remdesivir where an alternative is available.
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 Remdesivir
- Hydroxychloroquine + Remdesivir Moderate
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 Remdesivir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloroquine and Remdesivir 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. In laboratory studies chloroquine reduced the antiviral activity of remdesivir by interfering with its intracellular conversion to the active triphosphate metabolite. Clinical relevance is uncertain, but concurrent use could reduce remdesivir effectiveness.
How serious is the interaction between Chloroquine and Remdesivir?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid coadministering chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine with remdesivir where an alternative is available.
What other medicines interact with Remdesivir?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Remdesivir with, for example, Hydroxychloroquine. The full list is on the Remdesivir page.
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