Drug interactions
Chloroquine + Tetracaine
Severity: Moderate
Chloroquine and Tetracaine: 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
Tetracaine, a local anesthetic, and chloroquine can each be associated with methemoglobinemia. When used together, particularly when tetracaine is applied to mucosal surfaces or in large amounts, the risk of clinically significant methemoglobinemia may increase.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloroquine and Tetracaine 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; Tetracaine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive oxidative stress on hemoglobin leading to formation of methemoglobin.
What to do
Use the lowest effective dose of tetracaine and watch for cyanosis, dyspnea or low pulse oximetry readings. Treat confirmed methemoglobinemia with methylene blue, but check for G6PD deficiency first.
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
Other interactions of Tetracaine
- Dapsone + Tetracaine Moderate
- Isosorbide dinitrate + Tetracaine Moderate
- Isosorbide mononitrate + Tetracaine Moderate
- Nitrofurantoin + Tetracaine Moderate
- Nitroglycerin + Tetracaine Moderate
- Paracetamol + Tetracaine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloroquine with Tetracaine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloroquine and Tetracaine 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. Tetracaine, a local anesthetic, and chloroquine can each be associated with methemoglobinemia. When used together, particularly when tetracaine is applied to mucosal surfaces or in large amounts, the risk of clinically significant methemoglobinemia may increase.
How serious is the interaction between Chloroquine and Tetracaine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective dose of tetracaine and watch for cyanosis, dyspnea or low pulse oximetry readings. Treat confirmed methemoglobinemia with methylene blue, but check for G6PD deficiency first.
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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