Drug interactions
Hydroxychloroquine + Quinine
Severity: Major
Hydroxychloroquine and Quinine: 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
Quinine and hydroxychloroquine both prolong the QT interval, and together they can produce additive effects with a risk of torsades de pointes. Quinine's cardiac toxicity is dose related.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxychloroquine and Quinine 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; Quinine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through cardiac potassium channel blockade.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use where possible. If both are necessary, obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
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 Quinine
- Arsenic trioxide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Quinine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Quinine Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Quinine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxychloroquine with Quinine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydroxychloroquine and Quinine 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. Quinine and hydroxychloroquine both prolong the QT interval, and together they can produce additive effects with a risk of torsades de pointes. Quinine's cardiac toxicity is dose related.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxychloroquine and Quinine?
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 where possible. If both are necessary, obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
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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