Drug interactions
Hydroxychloroquine + Lithium
Severity: Moderate
Hydroxychloroquine and Lithium: 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
Lithium has been associated with QT prolongation and T-wave changes, and hydroxychloroquine may add to this effect. The additive risk of arrhythmia is mainly relevant in patients with lithium toxicity, cardiac disease or electrolyte disturbance.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxychloroquine and Lithium 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; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive effects on cardiac repolarization leading to possible QT prolongation.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor serum lithium levels, potassium and magnesium; reassess the combination if the QTc becomes prolonged.
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 Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxychloroquine with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydroxychloroquine and Lithium 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. Lithium has been associated with QT prolongation and T-wave changes, and hydroxychloroquine may add to this effect. The additive risk of arrhythmia is mainly relevant in patients with lithium toxicity, cardiac disease or electrolyte disturbance.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxychloroquine and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor serum lithium levels, potassium and magnesium; reassess the combination if the QTc becomes prolonged.
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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