Drug interactions
Echinacea + Hydroxychloroquine
Severity: Minor
Echinacea and Hydroxychloroquine: minor 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
Echinacea is claimed to stimulate immune function, which could in theory counter the immunomodulatory goals of hydroxychloroquine in autoimmune disease. Evidence of a clinically relevant interaction is lacking.
What this interaction means in plain words
Echinacea and Hydroxychloroquine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Echinacea belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Hydroxychloroquine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Theoretical pharmacodynamic opposition between immune stimulation by echinacea and immune modulation by hydroxychloroquine.
What to do
Advise patients with autoimmune disease to avoid echinacea products. Monitor disease activity if they continue to use them.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Echinacea
- Alefacept + Echinacea Moderate
- Antithymocyte globulin equine + Echinacea Moderate
- Antithymocyte globulin rabbit + Echinacea Moderate
- Azathioprine + Echinacea Moderate
- Basiliximab + Echinacea Moderate
- Cyclosporine + Echinacea Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Echinacea with Hydroxychloroquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Echinacea and Hydroxychloroquine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Echinacea is claimed to stimulate immune function, which could in theory counter the immunomodulatory goals of hydroxychloroquine in autoimmune disease. Evidence of a clinically relevant interaction is lacking.
How serious is the interaction between Echinacea and Hydroxychloroquine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients with autoimmune disease to avoid echinacea products. Monitor disease activity if they continue to use them.
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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