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Drug Interactions between chloroquine and mefloquine

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

chloroquine mefloquine

Applies to: chloroquine and mefloquine

Using mefloquine together with chloroquine may increase the risk of convulsions and other heart problems. If mefloquine is used to treat severe malaria, mefloquine should not be given until 12 hours after the last dose of chloroquine. Contact your doctor if you condition changes or if you experience increased side effects. If your doctor does prescribe these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or special test to safely use both medications. 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.

Drug and food interactions

Moderate

chloroquine food

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

mefloquine food

Applies to: mefloquine

Food can enhance the levels of mefloquine in your body. Take mefloquine immediately after a meal. This will make it easier for your body to absorb the medication. Take each dose with a full glass, at least 8 ounces (240 mL) of water. For children or those who have difficulty swallowing, mefloquine can be crushed and mixed with water or sugar water. Talk to your healthcare provider if swallowing the tablets is difficult.

Therapeutic duplication warnings

Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition. This can be intentional in cases where drugs with similar actions are used together for demonstrated therapeutic benefit. It can also be unintentional in cases where a patient has been treated by more than one doctor, or had prescriptions filled at more than one pharmacy, and can have potentially adverse consequences.

Duplication

Antimalarials

Therapeutic duplication

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'antimalarials' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'antimalarials' category:

  • chloroquine
  • mefloquine

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

See also

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor 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.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer