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Drug interactions

Hydroxyzine + Sunitinib

Severity: Major

Hydroxyzine and Sunitinib: 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

Hydroxyzine has a recognized risk of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and sunitinib also prolongs QT. Together they may increase the risk of serious arrhythmia.

What this interaction means in plain words

Hydroxyzine and Sunitinib 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; Sunitinib belongs to Oncology.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation.

What to do

Avoid the combination where possible and use a non-QT-prolonging antihistamine or anxiolytic. If unavoidable, monitor 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?

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 Sunitinib?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydroxyzine and Sunitinib 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 has a recognized risk of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and sunitinib also prolongs QT. Together they may increase the risk of serious arrhythmia.

How serious is the interaction between Hydroxyzine and Sunitinib?

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 use a non-QT-prolonging antihistamine or anxiolytic. If unavoidable, monitor ECG and correct electrolytes.

What other medicines interact with Sunitinib?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Sunitinib with, for example, Adagrasib, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Sunitinib page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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