Drug interactions
Gemifloxacin + Hydroxychloroquine
Severity: Major
Gemifloxacin and Hydroxychloroquine: major 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 agents can lengthen the QT interval, so using them together increases the risk of torsades de pointes. Patients with heart disease, electrolyte imbalance or advanced age are most vulnerable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gemifloxacin 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.
Gemifloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Hydroxychloroquine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive inhibition of hERG potassium channels causing delayed ventricular repolarization.
What to do
Choose a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic when possible; if combined, check baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor for arrhythmia symptoms.
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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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 Gemifloxacin
- Arsenic trioxide + Gemifloxacin Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Gemifloxacin Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Gemifloxacin with Hydroxychloroquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Gemifloxacin 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. Both agents can lengthen the QT interval, so using them together increases the risk of torsades de pointes. Patients with heart disease, electrolyte imbalance or advanced age are most vulnerable.
How serious is the interaction between Gemifloxacin 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 a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic when possible; if combined, check baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor for arrhythmia symptoms.
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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