Drug interactions
Chloroquine + Salmeterol
Severity: Major
Chloroquine and Salmeterol: 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 salmeterol may also cause hypokalemia and tachycardia. Together they may raise the risk of torsades de pointes, particularly in patients with other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloroquine and Salmeterol 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; Salmeterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with beta-agonist-induced hypokalemia and sympathetic stimulation adding to arrhythmic risk.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and check potassium and magnesium; monitor QTc during co-therapy. Prefer an alternative if QTc is prolonged or other QT risk factors are present.
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 Salmeterol
- Ritonavir + Salmeterol Contraindicated
- Salmeterol + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Salmeterol Major
- Arformoterol + Salmeterol Major
- Atazanavir + Salmeterol Major
- Budesonide-formoterol + Salmeterol Major
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 Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloroquine and Salmeterol 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 salmeterol may also cause hypokalemia and tachycardia. Together they may raise the risk of torsades de pointes, particularly in patients with other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Chloroquine and Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and check potassium and magnesium; monitor QTc during co-therapy. Prefer an alternative if QTc is prolonged or other QT risk factors are present.
What other medicines interact with Salmeterol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Salmeterol with, for example, Ritonavir, Saquinavir, Amitriptyline. The full list is on the Salmeterol page.
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