Drug interactions
Hydroxychloroquine + Isoflurane
Severity: Moderate
Hydroxychloroquine and Isoflurane: 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
Isoflurane can modestly prolong the QT interval, and when given to a patient taking hydroxychloroquine the combined effect may increase perioperative arrhythmia risk. This is most relevant in patients with other QT risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxychloroquine and Isoflurane 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.
Hydroxychloroquine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Isoflurane belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive effects on ventricular repolarization causing QT prolongation.
What to do
Inform the anesthesia team, review the preoperative ECG, keep potassium and magnesium normal, and monitor the ECG continuously during surgery.
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 Isoflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxychloroquine with Isoflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydroxychloroquine and Isoflurane 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. Isoflurane can modestly prolong the QT interval, and when given to a patient taking hydroxychloroquine the combined effect may increase perioperative arrhythmia risk. This is most relevant in patients with other QT risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxychloroquine and Isoflurane?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Inform the anesthesia team, review the preoperative ECG, keep potassium and magnesium normal, and monitor the ECG continuously during surgery.
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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