Can you take Chloroquine with Fluphenazine?
1 drug interaction and 34 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- chloroquine
- fluphenazine
Drug interactions
Major drug interactions
Major:
chloroquine fluPHENAZine
Applies to: chloroquine and fluphenazine
Using chloroquine together with fluPHENAZine can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a rare side effect.
You may be more susceptible if you have:
- a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome
- other cardiac diseases
- conduction abnormalities
- electrolyte disturbances (for example, magnesium or potassium loss due to severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting)
Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these medications, whether together or alone.
It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate:
chloroquine Food/Lifestyle
Applies to: chloroquine
You may want to limit your consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with chloroquine.
Grapefruit juice can significantly increase the blood levels and effects of chloroquine, which may result in an irregular heart rate or other conduction disturbances.
Hydroxychloroquine should also be taken with food or milk to reduce the incidence of stomach upset.
Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with chloroquine.
It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Moderate:
fluPHENAZine Alcohol (Ethanol)
Applies to: fluphenazine
Ask your doctor before using fluPHENAZine together with ethanol (alcohol).
This can cause:
- uncontrollable movements
- agitation
- seizures
- severe dizziness or fainting
- coma
- very deep sleep
- irregular heartbeats
- high or low body temperature
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities, these medicaions may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Disease interactions
32 potential interactions Applies to: 27 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Seizures, Arrhythmia, Breast Cancer, and Psoriasis.
Acute Alcohol Intoxication
Major:
fluphenazine
fluPHENAZine has a major potential interaction with Acute Alcohol Intoxication.
Phenothiazines are contraindicated in the presence of large amounts of central nervous system depressants such as alcohol. The risk of suicide and the danger of overdose may be increased in patients who use alcohol excessively. Phenothiazines should be used with caution in patients experiencing alcohol withdrawal.
Alcoholism
Major:
fluphenazine
fluPHENAZine has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.
Phenothiazines are contraindicated in the presence of large amounts of central nervous system depressants such as alcohol. The risk of suicide and the danger of overdose may be increased in patients who use alcohol excessively. Phenothiazines should be used with caution in patients experiencing alcohol withdrawal.
Moderate:
chloroquine
Chloroquine has a moderate potential interaction with Alcoholism.
Aminoquinolines may concentrate in the liver. Isolated cases of abnormal liver function and fulminant hepatic failure have been reported. Therapy with aminoquinolines should be administered cautiously in patients with hepatic disease or alcoholism and in patients receiving other hepatotoxic drugs. Periodic evaluation of hepatic function should be performed during prolonged therapy.
Altered Consciousness
Major:
fluphenazine
fluPHENAZine has a major potential interaction with Altered Consciousness.
The use of phenothiazines is contraindicated in comatose patients and patients with severe central nervous system depression. Phenothiazines may potentiate the CNS and respiratory depression in these patients.
Arrhythmia
Major:
fluphenazine
fluPHENAZine has a major potential interaction with Arrhythmia.
Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.
Moderate:
chloroquine
Chloroquine has a moderate potential interaction with Arrhythmia.
The use of 4-aminoquinolines such as hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine prolong the QT interval. Ventricular arrhythmias and torsades de pointes have been reported in patients taking these agents. Care should be exercised in patients with a prolonged QT interval at baseline or at increased risk for arrythmia. A baseline electrocardiogram should be obtained to assess for QT interval prolongation and other abnormalities. It is recommended to use appropriate diagnostic tools such as ECG to monitor patients during therapy.
Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts
Major:
fluphenazine
fluPHENAZine has a major potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.
Phenothiazines may cause hematologic toxicity. In patients with preexisting blood dyscrasias, bone marrow suppression, or a history of drug-induced leukopenia or neutropenia, phenothiazines should not be used or are contraindicated. Complete blood counts should be regularly monitored in patients with risk factors for blood dyscrasias. If white blood cell counts indicate cellular depression, discontinue treatment and institute appropriate therapy.
Moderate:
chloroquine
Chloroquine has a moderate potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.
Adverse hematologic effects including neutropenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, and thrombocytopenia have been rarely associated with 4-aminoquinolines. Therapy with 4-aminoquinolines should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting bone marrow suppression. A complete blood count should be performed periodically in patients on prolonged therapy. If any severe blood disorder appears which is not attributable to the disease under treatment, discontinuance of the drug should be considered.
Breast Cancer
Moderate:
fluphenazine
fluPHENAZine has a moderate potential interaction with Breast Cancer.
The chronic use of phenothiazines is associated with persistent elevations in prolactin levels. The clinical significance in patients with a history of breast cancer is unknown and should be considered prior to therapy; approximately one-third of human breast cancers are thought to be prolactin-dependent. Chronic administration of neuroleptic drugs has been associated with mammary tumorigenesis in animal studies; however, evidence is inconclusive in humans.
Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders
Major:
fluphenazine
fluPHENAZine has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.
Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.
Central Nervous System Disorders
Moderate:
fluphenazine
fluPHENAZine has a moderate potential interaction with Central Nervous System Disorders.
Phenothiazines can lower the seizure threshold. Caution is recommended during administration in patients with a history of convulsive disorders or EEG abnormalities. Anticonvulsant therapy should be maintained or adequately adjusted during phenothiazine treatment.
Cerebrovascular Insufficiency
Major:
fluphenazine
fluPHENAZine has a major potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.
Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.
Dementia
Major:
fluphenazine
fluPHENAZine has a major potential interaction with Dementia.
Antipsychotic drugs are not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis. Older patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death; although the causes were varied, most of the deaths appeared to be either cardiovascular (e.g., heart failure, sudden death) or infectious (e.g., pneumonia) in nature. A causal relationship with antipsychotic use has not been established. In controlled trials in older patients with dementia-related psychosis, patients randomized to risperidone, aripiprazole, and olanzapine had higher incidence of cerebrovascular adverse events (e.g., stroke, transient ischemic attack), including fatalities, compared to patients treated with placebo.
G-6-PD Deficiency
Moderate:
chloroquine
Chloroquine has a moderate potential interaction with G-6-PD Deficiency.
Hemolysis and acute renal failure have been reported during use of aminoquinolines in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency. Therapy with aminoquinolines should be administered cautiously in these patients. Blood cell counts and hemoglobin determinations should be performed regularly. Aminoquinoline therapy should be discontinued immediately if signs suggestive of hemolytic anemia occur, such as marked darkening of the urine or sudden decrease in hemoglobin concentration or erythrocytic count.
Hearing Loss
Moderate:
chloroquine
Chloroquine has a moderate potential interaction with Hearing Loss.
The use of 4-aminoquinolines has been associated rarely with ototoxicity. Nerve-type deafness, which is usually irreversible, has occurred during long-term, high-dose therapy. Deafness may not be apparent until several weeks after 4-aminoquinoline therapy. Tinnitus and reduced hearing have been reported in patients with preexisting auditory damage. Therapy with 4-aminoquinolines should be administered cautiously in such patients. If new auditory defects develop or if hearing loss becomes worse, therapy should be immediately discontinued and the patient closely monitored.
High Blood Pressure
Major:
fluphenazine
fluPHENAZine has a major potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.
Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.
History - Cerebrovascular Disease
Major:
fluphenazine
fluPHENAZine has a major potential interaction with History - Cerebrovascular Disease.
Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.
History - Myocardial Infarction
Major:
fluphenazine
fluPHENAZine has a major potential interaction with History - Myocardial Infarction.
Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.
Hypotension
Major:
fluphenazine
fluPHENAZine has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.
Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.
Liver Disease
Major:
fluphenazine
fluPHENAZine has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Therapy with phenothiazines should be administered cautiously or are contraindicated in patients with preexisting liver disease or with a history of jaundice due to phenothiazine hypersensitivity. Patients with a history of hepatic encephalopathy due to cirrhosis may have increased sensitivity to the central nervous system effects of some phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine). Treatment should be discontinued if jaundice occurs.
Moderate:
chloroquine
Chloroquine has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Aminoquinolines may concentrate in the liver. Isolated cases of abnormal liver function and fulminant hepatic failure have been reported. Therapy with aminoquinolines should be administered cautiously in patients with hepatic disease or alcoholism and in patients receiving other hepatotoxic drugs. Periodic evaluation of hepatic function should be performed during prolonged therapy.
Myasthenia Gravis
Moderate:
chloroquine
Chloroquine has a moderate potential interaction with Myasthenia Gravis.
Certain aminoquinolines such as chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine should be used with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). These agents may exacerbate or trigger new onset of symptoms in patients with previously diagnosed MG. It is recommended to advise patients with MG about this possible side effect.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Moderate:
fluphenazine
fluPHENAZine has a moderate potential interaction with Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.
Therapy with phenothiazines may precipitate or aggravate a potentially fatal symptom complex known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Treatment should not be initiated in patients with active NMS, and should be immediately discontinued if currently administered in such patients. In patients with a history of NMS, introduction or reintroduction of phenothiazines should be carefully considered, since NMS may recur.
Pheochromocytoma
Major:
fluphenazine
fluPHENAZine has a major potential interaction with Pheochromocytoma.
Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.
Porphyria
Major:
chloroquine
Chloroquine has a major potential interaction with Porphyria.
The use of aminoquinolines in patients with porphyria may exacerbate the condition. Aminoquinolines should not be used in these patients unless the potential benefits are anticipated to outweigh the risks.
Psoriasis
Moderate:
chloroquine
Chloroquine has a moderate potential interaction with Psoriasis.
The use of aminoquinolines in patients with psoriasis may precipitate a severe attack of psoriasis. Aminoquinolines should not be used in these patients unless the potential benefits are anticipated to outweigh the risks.
Renal Dysfunction
Moderate:
fluphenazine
fluPHENAZine has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Phenothiazines should be used with caution in patients with renal dysfunction. Patients with renal insufficiency may be more prone to hypotension. Periodic renal function tests are recommended for all patients during prolonged therapy.
Respiratory Arrest
Major:
fluphenazine
fluPHENAZine has a major potential interaction with Respiratory Arrest.
The use of phenothiazines is contraindicated in comatose patients and patients with severe central nervous system depression. Phenothiazines may potentiate the CNS and respiratory depression in these patients.
Retinal Disorders
Major:
chloroquine
Chloroquine has a major potential interaction with Retinal Disorders.
The use of 4-aminoquinolines is generally considered contraindicated in the presence of retinal or visual field changes, whether attributable to 4-aminoquinoline compounds or to any other etiology. However, in the treatment of acute attacks of malaria caused by susceptible strains of plasmodia, these agents may be considered if potential benefits are anticipated to outweigh the risks. 4-aminoquinolines are oculotoxic and can cause dose-related, irreversible retinal damage and vision loss during and up to several years after long-term or high-dose therapy (e.g., in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis). Ophthalmologic monitoring, including visual acuity, expert slit-lamp, funduscopic, and visual field tests, is recommended at baseline and every three months during prolonged use. Therapy should be discontinued immediately if abnormalities develop in visual acuity, visual field, or retinal macular areas (e.g., pigmentary changes, loss of foveal reflex), or if the patient experiences visual symptoms such as light flashes and streaks that are not fully explainable by difficulties of accommodation or corneal opacities. Other common symptoms that may indicate retinopathy include nyctalopia, photophobia, blurred distance vision, difficulty reading or seeing (e.g., words or letters disappearing or parts of objects missing; misty vision; fog before the eyes), and missing or blacked out areas in the central or peripheral visual field. Retinal changes and visual disturbances may progress even after cessation of therapy. However, in a number of patients, early retinopathy (macular pigmentation sometimes with central field defects) diminished or regressed completely after therapy was discontinued. Paracentral scotoma to red targets, sometimes termed premaculopathy, is indicative of early retinal dysfunction and is usually reversible with cessation of therapy.
Seizures
Moderate:
chloroquine
Chloroquine has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.
4-aminoquinolines may cause epileptic seizures in susceptible individuals. Patients with epilepsy or an otherwise low seizure threshold may be at greater risk. Therapy with 4-aminoquinolines, particularly chloroquine, should be administered cautiously in patients with epilepsy.
Moderate:
fluphenazine
fluPHENAZine has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.
Phenothiazines can lower the seizure threshold. Caution is recommended during administration in patients with a history of convulsive disorders or EEG abnormalities. Anticonvulsant therapy should be maintained or adequately adjusted during phenothiazine treatment.
Valvular Heart Disease
Major:
fluphenazine
fluPHENAZine has a major potential interaction with Valvular Heart Disease.
Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.
More resources
chloroquine
A total of 555 drugs are known to interact with chloroquine.
- Chloroquine is in the following drug classes: amebicides, antimalarial quinolines.
-
Chloroquine is used to treat the following conditions:
- Amebiasis
- Malaria
- Malaria Prevention
- Sarcoidosis (off-label)
fluphenazine
A total of 794 drugs are known to interact with fluphenazine.
- Fluphenazine is in the drug class phenothiazine antipsychotics.
- Fluphenazine is used to treat Psychosis.
Drug Interaction Classification
| Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
| Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
| Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. | |
| No interaction information available. |
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.