Medications to Avoid with Hydroxychloroquine

Introduction

Hydroxychloroquine is used to treat autoimmune diseases and malaria. However, it can interact with various medications, leading to serious side effects. This essay explores the medications that should not be taken with hydroxychloroquine.

Medications Affecting Heart Rhythm

QT Prolongation

• Description: Hydroxychloroquine can prolong the QT interval, leading to arrhythmias.
• Examples:
  • Cisapride
  • Dronedarone
  • Pimozide
  • Thioridazine¹

Antiarrhythmic Medications

• Description: These medications also affect heart rhythm and can increase the risk of arrhythmias.
• Examples:
  • Amiodarone
  • Sotalol²

Diabetes Medications

Blood Sugar Levels

• Description: Hydroxychloroquine can lower blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous when combined with diabetes medications.
• Examples:
  • Insulin
  • Metformin²

Seizure Medications

Increased Seizure Risk

• Description: Hydroxychloroquine can lower the seizure threshold, increasing the risk of seizures.
• Examples:
  • Phenytoin
  • Carbamazepine²

Antacids

Absorption Issues

• Description: Antacids can interfere with the absorption of hydroxychloroquine, reducing its effectiveness.
• Examples:
  • Magnesium hydroxide
  • Aluminum hydroxide²

Cimetidine

Increased Hydroxychloroquine Levels

• Description: Cimetidine can increase hydroxychloroquine levels in the blood, leading to toxicity.
• Examples:
  • Tagamet²

Cyclosporine

Increased Cyclosporine Levels

• Description: Hydroxychloroquine can increase cyclosporine levels, leading to toxicity.
• Examples:
  • Neoral
  • Sandimmune²

Methotrexate

Increased Risk of Side Effects

• Description: Combining these medications can increase the risk of side effects.
• Examples:
  • Rheumatrex
  • Trexall²

Other Medications

Various Interactions

• Description: Hydroxychloroquine can interact with a wide range of other medications.
• Examples:
  • Gabapentin
  • Atorvastatin
  • Metoprolol³

Conclusion

Hydroxychloroquine can interact with many medications, leading to serious side effects. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.