Drug interactions
Hydroxychloroquine + Hydroxyzine
Severity: Major
Hydroxychloroquine and Hydroxyzine: 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 drugs have QT-prolonging effects, so together they may increase the likelihood of ventricular arrhythmias including torsades de pointes. Risk is highest in patients with cardiac disease, electrolyte problems or other QT-prolonging therapy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxychloroquine and Hydroxyzine 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 belongs to Musculoskeletal; Hydroxyzine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive delayed cardiac repolarization through hERG channel inhibition.
What to do
Prefer a non-sedating antihistamine without QT effects, such as one with a clean QT profile; if both are needed, monitor ECG and correct electrolytes.
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 Hydroxyzine
- Droperidol + Hydroxyzine Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydroxyzine Major
- Amiodarone + Hydroxyzine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxychloroquine with Hydroxyzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydroxychloroquine and Hydroxyzine 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 drugs have QT-prolonging effects, so together they may increase the likelihood of ventricular arrhythmias including torsades de pointes. Risk is highest in patients with cardiac disease, electrolyte problems or other QT-prolonging therapy.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxychloroquine and Hydroxyzine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer a non-sedating antihistamine without QT effects, such as one with a clean QT profile; if both are needed, monitor ECG and correct electrolytes.
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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