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Drug interactions

Hydroxychloroquine + Moxifloxacin

Severity: Major

Hydroxychloroquine and Moxifloxacin: major interaction.

Last updated

Hydroxychloroquine + Moxifloxacin | MediHelp

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

Moxifloxacin is among the fluoroquinolones with the greatest QT effect, and combining it with hydroxychloroquine increases the risk of torsades de pointes. Risk is greater with electrolyte imbalance, bradycardia or structural heart disease.

What this interaction means in plain words

Hydroxychloroquine and Moxifloxacin 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; Moxifloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive hERG potassium channel blockade producing delayed repolarization.

What to do

Select an antibiotic without QT effects when possible; if the combination is unavoidable, obtain an ECG before and during therapy and correct electrolytes.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Hydroxychloroquine with Moxifloxacin?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydroxychloroquine and Moxifloxacin 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. Moxifloxacin is among the fluoroquinolones with the greatest QT effect, and combining it with hydroxychloroquine increases the risk of torsades de pointes. Risk is greater with electrolyte imbalance, bradycardia or structural heart disease.

How serious is the interaction between Hydroxychloroquine and Moxifloxacin?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Select an antibiotic without QT effects when possible; if the combination is unavoidable, obtain an ECG before and during therapy and correct electrolytes.

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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