Drug interactions
Hydroxychloroquine + Lefamulin
Severity: Major
Hydroxychloroquine and Lefamulin: 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
Lefamulin can prolong the QT interval and is a CYP3A4 inhibitor, and hydroxychloroquine also prolongs QT. Co-administration raises the risk of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Oral lefamulin labeling advises against co-use with CYP3A substrates that prolong QT.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxychloroquine and Lefamulin 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; Lefamulin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with possible increased hydroxychloroquine exposure via CYP3A4 inhibition.
What to do
Prefer an alternative antibiotic that does not prolong QT. If co-use is unavoidable, obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor the QTc.
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 Lefamulin
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Pimavanserin Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Alfuzosin + Lefamulin Major
- Amiodarone + Lefamulin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxychloroquine with Lefamulin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydroxychloroquine and Lefamulin 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. Lefamulin can prolong the QT interval and is a CYP3A4 inhibitor, and hydroxychloroquine also prolongs QT. Co-administration raises the risk of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Oral lefamulin labeling advises against co-use with CYP3A substrates that prolong QT.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxychloroquine and Lefamulin?
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 an alternative antibiotic that does not prolong QT. If co-use is unavoidable, obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor the QTc.
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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