Drug interactions
Erythromycin lactobionate + Hydroxychloroquine
Severity: Major
Erythromycin lactobionate 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
Intravenous erythromycin reaches high plasma concentrations and prolongs the QT interval, and hydroxychloroquine adds to this effect. The combination increases the risk of torsades de pointes, especially in patients with other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin lactobionate 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 lactobionate belongs to Anti Bacterial; Hydroxychloroquine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive blockade of cardiac potassium channels produces additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Use a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic where possible. If IV erythromycin is needed, obtain a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes, and monitor the rhythm and 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
Other interactions of Erythromycin lactobionate
- Cisapride + Erythromycin lactobionate Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Erythromycin lactobionate Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Erythromycin lactobionate Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Erythromycin lactobionate Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Erythromycin lactobionate Contraindicated
- Erythromycin lactobionate + Flibanserin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin lactobionate with Hydroxychloroquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Erythromycin lactobionate 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. Intravenous erythromycin reaches high plasma concentrations and prolongs the QT interval, and hydroxychloroquine adds to this effect. The combination increases the risk of torsades de pointes, especially in patients with other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin lactobionate 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: Use a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic where possible. If IV erythromycin is needed, obtain a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes, and monitor the rhythm and 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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