Drug interactions
Amoxapine + Hydroxychloroquine
Severity: Major
Amoxapine and Hydroxychloroquine: 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
Both agents can prolong the QT interval, so using them together increases the chance of torsades de pointes and other ventricular arrhythmias. Risk is higher with electrolyte disturbances, structural heart disease or other QT-prolonging drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amoxapine and Hydroxychloroquine 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 via blockade of cardiac potassium channels.
What to do
Avoid if possible and consider an antidepressant with less QT effect. If combined, check a baseline and follow-up ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
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
- Hydroxychloroquine 300 mg film coated tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: tricyclic antidepressants; "drugs known to prolong the QT interval, e.g., Class IA and III antiarrhythmics, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, some anti-infectives due to increased") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Hydroxychloroquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amoxapine with Hydroxychloroquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amoxapine and Hydroxychloroquine 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. Both agents can prolong the QT interval, so using them together increases the chance of torsades de pointes and other ventricular arrhythmias. Risk is higher with electrolyte disturbances, structural heart disease or other QT-prolonging drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Amoxapine and Hydroxychloroquine?
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 if possible and consider an antidepressant with less QT effect. If combined, check a baseline and follow-up ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
What other medicines interact with Hydroxychloroquine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydroxychloroquine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Cisapride, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Hydroxychloroquine page.
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