Drug interactions
Haloperidol + Hydroxychloroquine
Severity: Major
Haloperidol 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
Hydroxychloroquine and haloperidol both prolong the QT interval, and combining them raises the risk of torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death. The risk is higher with intravenous haloperidol, higher doses or electrolyte abnormalities.
What this interaction means in plain words
Haloperidol 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.
Haloperidol belongs to Central Nervous System; Hydroxychloroquine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive hERG potassium channel blockade resulting in QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid if an alternative is available; otherwise obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG, keep potassium and magnesium normal, and use the lowest effective haloperidol dose.
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 Haloperidol
- Dofetilide + Haloperidol Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Haloperidol Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Panobinostat Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Haloperidol with Hydroxychloroquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Haloperidol 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. Hydroxychloroquine and haloperidol both prolong the QT interval, and combining them raises the risk of torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death. The risk is higher with intravenous haloperidol, higher doses or electrolyte abnormalities.
How serious is the interaction between Haloperidol 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 if an alternative is available; otherwise obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG, keep potassium and magnesium normal, and use the lowest effective haloperidol dose.
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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