Drug interactions
Donepezil + Hydroxychloroquine
Severity: Moderate
Donepezil 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
Donepezil can prolong the QT interval and cause bradycardia, and hydroxychloroquine adds to the QT risk. Together they may increase the risk of torsades de pointes, especially in older patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Donepezil 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.
Donepezil belongs to Central Nervous System; Hydroxychloroquine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with donepezil bradycardia further increasing arrhythmia susceptibility.
What to do
Check a baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor heart rate and QTc. Review for syncope or palpitations and reassess the need for either drug if the QTc lengthens.
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 Donepezil
- Donepezil + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Donepezil Major
- Amisulpride + Donepezil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Donepezil with Hydroxychloroquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Donepezil 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. Donepezil can prolong the QT interval and cause bradycardia, and hydroxychloroquine adds to the QT risk. Together they may increase the risk of torsades de pointes, especially in older patients.
How serious is the interaction between Donepezil 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: Check a baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor heart rate and QTc. Review for syncope or palpitations and reassess the need for either drug if the QTc lengthens.
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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