Drug interactions
Hydroxychloroquine + Methadone
Severity: Major
Hydroxychloroquine and Methadone: 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
Both agents can prolong the QTc interval, so concurrent use increases the risk of torsades de pointes. Risk rises with electrolyte abnormalities, structural heart disease or other QT-prolonging drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxychloroquine and Methadone 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; Methadone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through cardiac potassium channel blockade.
What to do
Record a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and repeat the ECG after starting. Consider an alternative if the QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
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 Methadone
- Alvimopan + Methadone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Methadone Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Methadone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Methadone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Methadone 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 Methadone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydroxychloroquine and Methadone 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. Both agents can prolong the QTc interval, so concurrent use increases the risk of torsades de pointes. Risk rises with electrolyte abnormalities, structural heart disease or other QT-prolonging drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxychloroquine and Methadone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Record a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and repeat the ECG after starting. Consider an alternative if the QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
What other medicines interact with Methadone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methadone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Droperidol. The full list is on the Methadone page.
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