Drug interactions
Hydroxychloroquine + Sotalol
Severity: Major
Hydroxychloroquine and Sotalol: 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
Sotalol is a class III antiarrhythmic that prolongs the QT interval, and hydroxychloroquine adds to this effect. The combination raises the risk of torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxychloroquine and Sotalol 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; Sotalol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through potassium channel blockade.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and choose an antiarrhythmic or antimalarial without this effect. If it is unavoidable, monitor ECG and keep potassium and magnesium normal.
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 Sotalol
- Arsenic trioxide + Sotalol Contraindicated
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Sotalol Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Sotalol Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Sotalol Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Sotalol Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Sotalol Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxychloroquine with Sotalol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydroxychloroquine and Sotalol 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. Sotalol is a class III antiarrhythmic that prolongs the QT interval, and hydroxychloroquine adds to this effect. The combination raises the risk of torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxychloroquine and Sotalol?
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 where possible and choose an antiarrhythmic or antimalarial without this effect. If it is unavoidable, monitor ECG and keep potassium and magnesium normal.
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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