Drug interactions
Chloroquine + Terbinafine
Severity: Moderate
Chloroquine and Terbinafine: 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 is partly metabolized by CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, and terbinafine may increase its levels. Higher exposure could add to QT prolongation risk, though clinical reports are limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloroquine and Terbinafine 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; Terbinafine belongs to Anti Fungals.
Why it happens
CYP2D6 inhibition by terbinafine may reduce chloroquine metabolism, with additive QT effects possible.
What to do
Monitor for QT prolongation and consider an ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors or on other QT-prolonging drugs.
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 Terbinafine
- Terbinafine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Terbinafine Major
- Eliglustat + Terbinafine Major
- Flecainide + Terbinafine Major
- Imipramine + Terbinafine Major
- Maprotiline + Terbinafine 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 Terbinafine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloroquine and Terbinafine 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 is partly metabolized by CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, and terbinafine may increase its levels. Higher exposure could add to QT prolongation risk, though clinical reports are limited.
How serious is the interaction between Chloroquine and Terbinafine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for QT prolongation and consider an ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors or on other QT-prolonging drugs.
What other medicines interact with Terbinafine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Terbinafine with, for example, Thioridazine, Desipramine, Eliglustat. The full list is on the Terbinafine page.
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