Drug interactions
Hydroxychloroquine + Propafenone
Severity: Major
Hydroxychloroquine and Propafenone: 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
Propafenone is a class Ic antiarrhythmic that can prolong conduction and the QT interval, and hydroxychloroquine adds a further QT effect. The combination increases the risk of proarrhythmia including torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxychloroquine and Propafenone 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; Propafenone belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation and cardiac conduction effects.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible and consider other antiarrhythmic or antimalarial options. If it must be used, monitor ECG and keep electrolytes in the normal range.
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 Propafenone
- Dofetilide + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nirmatrelvir + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Propafenone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxychloroquine with Propafenone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydroxychloroquine and Propafenone 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. Propafenone is a class Ic antiarrhythmic that can prolong conduction and the QT interval, and hydroxychloroquine adds a further QT effect. The combination increases the risk of proarrhythmia including torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxychloroquine and Propafenone?
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 the combination if possible and consider other antiarrhythmic or antimalarial options. If it must be used, monitor ECG and keep electrolytes in the normal range.
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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