Drug interactions
Hydroxychloroquine + Mercaptopurine
Severity: Minor
Hydroxychloroquine and Mercaptopurine: minor 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
Hydroxychloroquine has only mild immunomodulatory activity and does not cause meaningful added immunosuppression with mercaptopurine. No well-established clinical interaction exists.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxychloroquine and Mercaptopurine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Hydroxychloroquine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Mercaptopurine belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Mild additive immunomodulation is theoretical; no established pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic mechanism.
What to do
No special action is needed beyond routine blood count and liver monitoring for mercaptopurine.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Mercaptopurine
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Azathioprine + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Febuxostat + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Mercaptopurine Contraindicated
- Mercaptopurine + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
Other interactions of Hydroxychloroquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Hydroxychloroquine Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Hydroxychloroquine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxychloroquine with Mercaptopurine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Hydroxychloroquine and Mercaptopurine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Hydroxychloroquine has only mild immunomodulatory activity and does not cause meaningful added immunosuppression with mercaptopurine. No well-established clinical interaction exists.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxychloroquine and Mercaptopurine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No special action is needed beyond routine blood count and liver monitoring for mercaptopurine.
What other medicines interact with Mercaptopurine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Mercaptopurine with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Azathioprine, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Mercaptopurine page.
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