Drug interactions
Hydroxychloroquine + Protriptyline
Severity: Moderate
Hydroxychloroquine and Protriptyline: 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
Tricyclic antidepressants such as protriptyline can prolong QRS and QT intervals, particularly in overdose or with risk factors. Together with hydroxychloroquine, the risk of ventricular arrhythmia is increased.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxychloroquine and Protriptyline 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.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through pharmacodynamic effects.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and keep potassium and magnesium normal; choose a non-QT-prolonging antidepressant if the patient has cardiac risk factors.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxychloroquine with Protriptyline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydroxychloroquine and Protriptyline 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. Tricyclic antidepressants such as protriptyline can prolong QRS and QT intervals, particularly in overdose or with risk factors. Together with hydroxychloroquine, the risk of ventricular arrhythmia is increased.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxychloroquine and Protriptyline?
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 and keep potassium and magnesium normal; choose a non-QT-prolonging antidepressant if the patient has cardiac risk factors.
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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