Drug interactions
Hydroxychloroquine + Lofexidine
Severity: Major
Hydroxychloroquine and Lofexidine: 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
Lofexidine prolongs the QT interval and can cause bradycardia and hypotension, which adds to the QT risk of hydroxychloroquine. The combination increases the chance of torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxychloroquine and Lofexidine 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; Lofexidine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, aggravated by lofexidine-induced bradycardia.
What to do
Avoid if possible; if used together, monitor ECG, heart rate and blood pressure and correct electrolyte abnormalities.
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 Lofexidine
- Adagrasib + Lofexidine Major
- Alfuzosin + Lofexidine Major
- Amiodarone + Lofexidine Major
- Amisulpride + Lofexidine Major
- Anagrelide + Lofexidine Major
- Apomorphine + Lofexidine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxychloroquine with Lofexidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydroxychloroquine and Lofexidine 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. Lofexidine prolongs the QT interval and can cause bradycardia and hypotension, which adds to the QT risk of hydroxychloroquine. The combination increases the chance of torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxychloroquine and Lofexidine?
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 if possible; if used together, monitor ECG, heart rate and blood pressure and correct electrolyte abnormalities.
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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