Drug interactions
Hydroxychloroquine + Mefloquine
Severity: Major
Hydroxychloroquine and Mefloquine: 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
Mefloquine and hydroxychloroquine both affect cardiac repolarization, and combining these related antimalarials may increase the risk of QT prolongation and arrhythmia. Mefloquine also lowers the seizure threshold.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxychloroquine and Mefloquine 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; Mefloquine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation via cardiac potassium channel inhibition.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use; if sequential use is needed, obtain an ECG and correct electrolytes, and allow for the long half-lives of both drugs.
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 Mefloquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxychloroquine with Mefloquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydroxychloroquine and Mefloquine 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. Mefloquine and hydroxychloroquine both affect cardiac repolarization, and combining these related antimalarials may increase the risk of QT prolongation and arrhythmia. Mefloquine also lowers the seizure threshold.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxychloroquine and Mefloquine?
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 concurrent use; if sequential use is needed, obtain an ECG and correct electrolytes, and allow for the long half-lives of both drugs.
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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