Drug interactions
Chlorpromazine + Saquinavir
Severity: Major
Chlorpromazine and Saquinavir: 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
Saquinavir boosted with ritonavir prolongs QT and PR intervals, and chlorpromazine also prolongs QT. The combination may precipitate torsades de pointes or other serious arrhythmias, and saquinavir's CYP inhibition may further raise chlorpromazine exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpromazine and Saquinavir 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.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with possible pharmacokinetic increase in chlorpromazine levels from CYP inhibition by the boosted protease inhibitor.
What to do
Avoid the combination where an alternative antiretroviral or antipsychotic is available. If it is unavoidable, check a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes and monitor QTc.
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 Chlorpromazine
- Chlorpromazine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Metrizamide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Panobinostat Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorpromazine with Saquinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlorpromazine and Saquinavir 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. Saquinavir boosted with ritonavir prolongs QT and PR intervals, and chlorpromazine also prolongs QT. The combination may precipitate torsades de pointes or other serious arrhythmias, and saquinavir's CYP inhibition may further raise chlorpromazine exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpromazine and Saquinavir?
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 an alternative antiretroviral or antipsychotic is available. If it is unavoidable, check a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes and monitor QTc.
What other medicines interact with Chlorpromazine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlorpromazine with, for example, Dofetilide, Dronedarone, Droperidol. The full list is on the Chlorpromazine page.
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