Drug interactions
Hydroxychloroquine + Pentamidine
Severity: Major
Hydroxychloroquine and Pentamidine: 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
Systemic pentamidine is associated with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and hydroxychloroquine also lengthens the QT interval. Combined use increases the risk of life-threatening arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxychloroquine and Pentamidine 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; Pentamidine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through pharmacodynamic effects.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use of systemic pentamidine where possible; if needed, monitor ECG, potassium, and magnesium closely.
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 Pentamidine
- Clomipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Moxifloxacin + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Nortriptyline + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Pentamidine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxychloroquine with Pentamidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydroxychloroquine and Pentamidine 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. Systemic pentamidine is associated with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and hydroxychloroquine also lengthens the QT interval. Combined use increases the risk of life-threatening arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxychloroquine and Pentamidine?
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 of systemic pentamidine where possible; if needed, monitor ECG, potassium, and magnesium closely.
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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