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Drug interactions

Hydroxychloroquine + Sertraline

Severity: Moderate

Hydroxychloroquine and Sertraline: 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

Sertraline has a small QT effect and hydroxychloroquine prolongs the QT interval, so combined use may have an additive effect. The overall risk is generally modest but greater in patients with other risk factors.

What this interaction means in plain words

Hydroxychloroquine and Sertraline 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; Sertraline belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive QT prolongation.

What to do

Check an ECG at baseline in patients with cardiac risk factors and monitor the QTc. Correct potassium and magnesium.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Hydroxychloroquine with Sertraline?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydroxychloroquine and Sertraline 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. Sertraline has a small QT effect and hydroxychloroquine prolongs the QT interval, so combined use may have an additive effect. The overall risk is generally modest but greater in patients with other risk factors.

How serious is the interaction between Hydroxychloroquine and Sertraline?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check an ECG at baseline in patients with cardiac risk factors and monitor the QTc. 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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