Drug interactions
Hydroxychloroquine + Ponesimod
Severity: Moderate
Hydroxychloroquine and Ponesimod: 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
Ponesimod lowers circulating lymphocytes and hydroxychloroquine has mild immunomodulatory effects, so combined use could modestly add to infection risk. The effect of ponesimod on lymphocytes persists for some time after stopping.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxychloroquine and Ponesimod 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; Ponesimod belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive immunomodulation: ponesimod sequesters lymphocytes via S1P1 receptor modulation while hydroxychloroquine dampens immune signaling.
What to do
Monitor for signs of infection and check lymphocyte counts periodically. Review the need for combined therapy if recurrent or serious infections occur.
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 Ponesimod
- Fingolimod + Ponesimod Contraindicated
- Ponesimod + Siponimod Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Ponesimod Major
- Amisulpride + Ponesimod Major
- Anagrelide + Ponesimod Major
- Anti-thymocyte + Ponesimod Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxychloroquine with Ponesimod?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydroxychloroquine and Ponesimod 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. Ponesimod lowers circulating lymphocytes and hydroxychloroquine has mild immunomodulatory effects, so combined use could modestly add to infection risk. The effect of ponesimod on lymphocytes persists for some time after stopping.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxychloroquine and Ponesimod?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for signs of infection and check lymphocyte counts periodically. Review the need for combined therapy if recurrent or serious infections occur.
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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