Drug interactions
Hydroxyzine + Quinine
Severity: Major
Hydroxyzine and Quinine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 agents can prolong the QT interval, so using them together raises the risk of torsades de pointes. Risk is higher with hypokalemia, bradycardia or existing heart disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxyzine 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.
Hydroxyzine belongs to Respiratory; Quinine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation via cardiac potassium channel blockade.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible, using a non-QT-prolonging antihistamine or anxiolytic. If needed, obtain an ECG and correct electrolytes.
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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References
Other interactions of Quinine
- Arsenic trioxide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Quinine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Quinine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Quinine Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Quinine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Hydroxyzine
- Droperidol + Hydroxyzine Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydroxyzine Major
- Amiodarone + Hydroxyzine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxyzine with Quinine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydroxyzine 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. Both agents can prolong the QT interval, so using them together raises the risk of torsades de pointes. Risk is higher with hypokalemia, bradycardia or existing heart disease.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxyzine 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 the combination if possible, using a non-QT-prolonging antihistamine or anxiolytic. If needed, obtain an ECG and correct electrolytes.
What other medicines interact with Quinine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Quinine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Quinine page.
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