Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Hydroxychloroquine
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine and Hydroxychloroquine: moderate 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
Hydroxychloroquine can prolong the QT interval and has been associated with torsades de pointes. Buprenorphine may add to this effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Hydroxychloroquine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Buprenorphine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Hydroxychloroquine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation via cardiac potassium channel inhibition.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and correct electrolytes, and avoid adding other QT-prolonging drugs. Repeat the ECG if the patient has cardiac disease or symptoms such as syncope.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Buprenorphine
- Alvimopan + Buprenorphine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
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 Buprenorphine with Hydroxychloroquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine and Hydroxychloroquine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Hydroxychloroquine can prolong the QT interval and has been associated with torsades de pointes. Buprenorphine may add to this effect.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Hydroxychloroquine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and correct electrolytes, and avoid adding other QT-prolonging drugs. Repeat the ECG if the patient has cardiac disease or symptoms such as syncope.
What other medicines interact with Buprenorphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Buprenorphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Buprenorphine page.
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