Drug interactions
Erythromycin base + Hydroxychloroquine
Severity: Major
Erythromycin base 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
Erythromycin is a macrolide with known QT-prolonging and proarrhythmic effects, and hydroxychloroquine adds to this risk. The combination may lead to torsades de pointes, especially in patients with other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin base 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.
Why it happens
Additive blockade of cardiac potassium channels produces additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Choose an antibiotic with less QT liability, such as one from a different class, where possible. If erythromycin is required, check the baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor the QTc.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin base with Hydroxychloroquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Erythromycin base 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. Erythromycin is a macrolide with known QT-prolonging and proarrhythmic effects, and hydroxychloroquine adds to this risk. The combination may lead to torsades de pointes, especially in patients with other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin base 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: Choose an antibiotic with less QT liability, such as one from a different class, where possible. If erythromycin is required, check the baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor the QTc.
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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