Drug interactions
Artemether + Hydroxyzine
Severity: Major
Artemether and Hydroxyzine: 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
Artemether-lumefantrine can prolong the QT interval, and hydroxyzine has a known risk of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Combined use raises arrhythmia risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether 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.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and use a non-QT-prolonging antihistamine or anxiolytic. If it cannot be avoided, obtain an 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
- Hydroxyzine 10 mg film-coated tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: antimalarial drugs; "some antimalarial drugs (e.g. mefloquine)") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Hydroxyzine
- Droperidol + Hydroxyzine Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydroxyzine Major
- Amiodarone + Hydroxyzine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether with Hydroxyzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Artemether 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. Artemether-lumefantrine can prolong the QT interval, and hydroxyzine has a known risk of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Combined use raises arrhythmia risk.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether 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: Avoid the combination where possible and use a non-QT-prolonging antihistamine or anxiolytic. If it cannot be avoided, obtain an ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
What other medicines interact with Hydroxyzine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydroxyzine with, for example, Droperidol, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Hydroxyzine page.
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