Drug interactions
Dofetilide + Hydroxychloroquine
Severity: Major
Dofetilide and Hydroxychloroquine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Dofetilide has a strong, dose-related QT-prolonging effect, and hydroxychloroquine adds further repolarization delay. The combination increases the chance of torsades de pointes, which can be fatal.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dofetilide 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.
Dofetilide belongs to Cardiovascular; Hydroxychloroquine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive inhibition of the rapid delayed rectifier potassium current produces additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid coadministration and choose an alternative to hydroxychloroquine where possible. If it is unavoidable, monitor the ECG and QTc closely, especially after dofetilide initiation, and keep potassium and magnesium normal.
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
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 Dofetilide
- Amiodarone + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amlodipine-olmesartan-hydrochlorothiazide + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide + Dofetilide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dofetilide with Hydroxychloroquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dofetilide 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. Dofetilide has a strong, dose-related QT-prolonging effect, and hydroxychloroquine adds further repolarization delay. The combination increases the chance of torsades de pointes, which can be fatal.
How serious is the interaction between Dofetilide 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 coadministration and choose an alternative to hydroxychloroquine where possible. If it is unavoidable, monitor the ECG and QTc closely, especially after dofetilide initiation, and keep potassium and magnesium normal.
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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