Drug interactions
Hydrochlorothiazide + Squill
Severity: Major
Hydrochlorothiazide and Squill: 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
Squill contains cardiac glycosides with digoxin-like activity. Hydrochlorothiazide causes potassium and magnesium loss, which sensitizes the myocardium to glycoside toxicity and may provoke arrhythmias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrochlorothiazide and Squill 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.
Why it happens
Diuretic-induced hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia increase myocardial sensitivity to cardiac glycosides.
What to do
Avoid squill preparations where possible. If used, monitor serum potassium and magnesium and correct deficits, and watch for arrhythmia.
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 Hydrochlorothiazide
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrochlorothiazide with Squill?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydrochlorothiazide and Squill 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. Squill contains cardiac glycosides with digoxin-like activity. Hydrochlorothiazide causes potassium and magnesium loss, which sensitizes the myocardium to glycoside toxicity and may provoke arrhythmias.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrochlorothiazide and Squill?
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 squill preparations where possible. If used, monitor serum potassium and magnesium and correct deficits, and watch for arrhythmia.
What other medicines interact with Hydrochlorothiazide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrochlorothiazide with, for example, Dofetilide, Amifostine, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Hydrochlorothiazide page.
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