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Drug interactions

Hydroxyzine + Maprotiline

Severity: Major

Hydroxyzine and Maprotiline: 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

Both drugs cause sedation and anticholinergic effects, and both can prolong the QT interval. Together they may increase drowsiness and the risk of torsades de pointes, especially in older patients or those with electrolyte disturbances or heart disease.

What this interaction means in plain words

Hydroxyzine and Maprotiline 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.

Hydroxyzine belongs to Respiratory; Maprotiline belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive QT prolongation, H1 antihistaminic sedation and antimuscarinic effects.

What to do

Avoid the combination where possible, or use the lowest effective hydroxyzine dose with ECG monitoring and correction of potassium and magnesium. Counsel about sedation and driving.

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?

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 Hydroxyzine with Maprotiline?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydroxyzine and Maprotiline 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. Both drugs cause sedation and anticholinergic effects, and both can prolong the QT interval. Together they may increase drowsiness and the risk of torsades de pointes, especially in older patients or those with electrolyte disturbances or heart disease.

How serious is the interaction between Hydroxyzine and Maprotiline?

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, or use the lowest effective hydroxyzine dose with ECG monitoring and correction of potassium and magnesium. Counsel about sedation and driving.

What other medicines interact with Maprotiline?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Maprotiline with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Disopyramide, Dofetilide. The full list is on the Maprotiline page.

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