Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Hydroxyzine
Severity: Major
Amiodarone and Hydroxyzine: 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
Hydroxyzine has been associated with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and amiodarone adds to this effect. The combination raises the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia, particularly in older patients or those with electrolyte disturbances.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Hydroxyzine 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.
Amiodarone belongs to Cardiovascular; Hydroxyzine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation.
What to do
Use a non-QT-prolonging antihistamine or anxiolytic instead. If hydroxyzine is essential, use the lowest dose for the shortest time with ECG monitoring.
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 Amiodarone
- Amiodarone + Amisulpride Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Eliglustat Contraindicated
Other interactions of Hydroxyzine
- Droperidol + Hydroxyzine Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydroxyzine Major
- Amisulpride + Hydroxyzine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amiodarone with Hydroxyzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amiodarone and Hydroxyzine 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. Hydroxyzine has been associated with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and amiodarone adds to this effect. The combination raises the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia, particularly in older patients or those with electrolyte disturbances.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Hydroxyzine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use a non-QT-prolonging antihistamine or anxiolytic instead. If hydroxyzine is essential, use the lowest dose for the shortest time with ECG monitoring.
What other medicines interact with Amiodarone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Amiodarone with, for example, Amisulpride, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide. The full list is on the Amiodarone page.
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