Drug interactions
Digoxin + Hydroxychloroquine
Severity: Moderate
Digoxin 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 has been reported to increase serum digoxin concentrations, which may lead to digoxin toxicity such as nausea, visual disturbance and arrhythmia. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index, so even modest rises can matter.
What this interaction means in plain words
Digoxin 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.
Digoxin belongs to Cardiovascular; Hydroxychloroquine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Not firmly established; possibly reduced renal or P-glycoprotein-mediated digoxin clearance.
What to do
Measure digoxin levels when starting or stopping hydroxychloroquine and adjust the digoxin dose as needed. Monitor for signs of toxicity and check potassium and renal function.
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 Hydroxychloroquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
Other interactions of Digoxin
- Digoxin + Lily of the valley Contraindicated
- Digoxin + Squill Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Digoxin Major
- Amiodarone + Digoxin Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Digoxin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Digoxin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Digoxin with Hydroxychloroquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Digoxin 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 has been reported to increase serum digoxin concentrations, which may lead to digoxin toxicity such as nausea, visual disturbance and arrhythmia. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index, so even modest rises can matter.
How serious is the interaction between Digoxin 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: Measure digoxin levels when starting or stopping hydroxychloroquine and adjust the digoxin dose as needed. Monitor for signs of toxicity and check potassium and renal function.
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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