Drug interactions
Chloroquine + Trimipramine
Severity: Major
Chloroquine and Trimipramine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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 and the tricyclic antidepressant trimipramine both have QT-prolonging potential. Combined use raises the likelihood of serious ventricular arrhythmias, particularly in patients with cardiac disease or electrolyte abnormalities.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloroquine and Trimipramine 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; Trimipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of cardiac repolarization through hERG potassium channel inhibition.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if it is necessary, check a baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor QTc during treatment. Choose a non-QT-prolonging alternative when feasible.
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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References
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 Trimipramine
- Disopyramide + Trimipramine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Trimipramine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Trimipramine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Trimipramine Contraindicated
- Pentamidine + Trimipramine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Trimipramine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloroquine with Trimipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloroquine and Trimipramine 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 and the tricyclic antidepressant trimipramine both have QT-prolonging potential. Combined use raises the likelihood of serious ventricular arrhythmias, particularly in patients with cardiac disease or electrolyte abnormalities.
How serious is the interaction between Chloroquine and Trimipramine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible; if it is necessary, check a baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor QTc during treatment. Choose a non-QT-prolonging alternative when feasible.
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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