Drug interactions
Flecainide + Hydroxychloroquine
Severity: Major
Flecainide 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
Flecainide slows cardiac conduction and can prolong the QT interval, and hydroxychloroquine adds to the QT risk. Flecainide also has proarrhythmic potential, particularly in structural heart disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Flecainide 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.
Flecainide belongs to Cardiovascular; Hydroxychloroquine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive effects on cardiac conduction and repolarization through sodium and potassium channel blockade.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible. If both are needed, obtain a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes and monitor the QRS 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 Flecainide
- Flecainide + Nirmatrelvir Contraindicated
- Flecainide + Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir Contraindicated
- Flecainide + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Flecainide + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Flecainide + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Flecainide + Tipranavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Flecainide with Hydroxychloroquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Flecainide 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. Flecainide slows cardiac conduction and can prolong the QT interval, and hydroxychloroquine adds to the QT risk. Flecainide also has proarrhythmic potential, particularly in structural heart disease.
How serious is the interaction between Flecainide 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 the combination if possible. If both are needed, obtain a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes and monitor the QRS 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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