Drug interactions
Fluoxetine + Hydroxychloroquine
Severity: Moderate
Fluoxetine 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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, though fluoxetine's effect is generally modest. Fluoxetine also inhibits CYP2D6, which may raise hydroxychloroquine concentrations and increase the arrhythmia risk further.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fluoxetine 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.
Fluoxetine belongs to Central Nervous System; Hydroxychloroquine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with possible CYP2D6 inhibition raising hydroxychloroquine levels.
What to do
Check a baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor the QTc, especially in patients with other risk factors. Consider sertraline if a lower-risk antidepressant is acceptable.
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 Fluoxetine
- Fluoxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fluoxetine with Hydroxychloroquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fluoxetine 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. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, though fluoxetine's effect is generally modest. Fluoxetine also inhibits CYP2D6, which may raise hydroxychloroquine concentrations and increase the arrhythmia risk further.
How serious is the interaction between Fluoxetine 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 the QTc, especially in patients with other risk factors. Consider sertraline if a lower-risk antidepressant is acceptable.
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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