Drug interactions
Hydroxychloroquine + Ofloxacin
Severity: Moderate
Hydroxychloroquine and Ofloxacin: moderate 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 drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use may raise the risk of torsades de pointes. Ofloxacin has a lower QT liability than some other fluoroquinolones, but the risk is still relevant in susceptible patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxychloroquine and Ofloxacin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Hydroxychloroquine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Ofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive inhibition of hERG potassium channels leading to QT prolongation.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors and correct potassium and magnesium; consider a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic if the QTc is already prolonged.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Ofloxacin
- Ofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Ofloxacin Major
- Amiodarone + Ofloxacin Major
- Amisulpride + Ofloxacin Major
- Anagrelide + Ofloxacin Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Ofloxacin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxychloroquine with Ofloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydroxychloroquine and Ofloxacin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use may raise the risk of torsades de pointes. Ofloxacin has a lower QT liability than some other fluoroquinolones, but the risk is still relevant in susceptible patients.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxychloroquine and Ofloxacin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors and correct potassium and magnesium; consider a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic if the QTc is already prolonged.
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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