Drug interactions
Hydroxychloroquine + Lapatinib
Severity: Major
Hydroxychloroquine and Lapatinib: 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
Lapatinib and hydroxychloroquine both prolong the QT interval, so combined use may increase the chance of serious ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with cardiac disease or electrolyte disorders are at greatest risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxychloroquine and Lapatinib 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; Lapatinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through inhibition of cardiac repolarizing potassium currents.
What to do
Avoid the pair where possible; if needed, correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia and monitor ECG at baseline and periodically.
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 Lapatinib
- Dofetilide + Lapatinib Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Lapatinib Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Lapatinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxychloroquine with Lapatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydroxychloroquine and Lapatinib 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. Lapatinib and hydroxychloroquine both prolong the QT interval, so combined use may increase the chance of serious ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with cardiac disease or electrolyte disorders are at greatest risk.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxychloroquine and Lapatinib?
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 the pair where possible; if needed, correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia and monitor ECG at baseline and periodically.
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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