Skip to main content

Can you take Hydroxychloroquine with Sporanox?

1 drug interaction and 29 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

Add/remove drugs

Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

itraconazole hydroxychloroquine

Applies to: Sporanox (itraconazole) and hydroxychloroquine

Itraconazole may increase the blood levels and effects of hydroxychloroquine. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

itraconazole Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: Sporanox (itraconazole)

Food increases the absorption of itraconazole capsules but decreases the absorption of itraconazole oral solution. Capsules should be taken immediately after a full meal and the solution be taken on an empty stomach to ensure best results.

Moderate:

hydroxychloroquine Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: hydroxychloroquine

You may want to limit your consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with hydroxychloroquine. Grapefruit juice can significantly increase the blood levels and effects of hydroxychloroquine, which may result in an irregular heart rate or other conduction disturbances. Hydroxychloroquine should also be taken with food or milk to reduce the incidence of stomach upset. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with hydroxychloroquine. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Disease interactions

27 potential interactions Applies to: 23 conditions, including COPD, Seizures, Arrhythmia, Psoriasis, and Hypoglycemia.

Achlorhydria

Moderate:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a moderate potential interaction with Achlorhydria.

Itraconazole 100-mg capsules should be administered after a full meal. Under fasted conditions, absorption of itraconazole from the 100-mg capsule formulation was diminished with decreased gastric acidity. Studies conducted under fasted conditions showed that taking the 100-mg capsule formulation with 8 ounces of a non-diet cola beverage enhanced absorption of itraconazole in AIDS patients with relative or absolute achlorhydria; this increase relative to the effects of a full meal is unknown.

Alcoholism

Moderate:

hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine has a moderate potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Aminoquinolines may concentrate in the liver. Isolated cases of abnormal liver function and fulminant hepatic failure have been reported. Therapy with aminoquinolines should be administered cautiously in patients with hepatic disease or alcoholism and in patients receiving other hepatotoxic drugs. Periodic evaluation of hepatic function should be performed during prolonged therapy.

Arrhythmia

Moderate:

hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine has a moderate potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

The use of 4-aminoquinolines such as hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine prolong the QT interval. Ventricular arrhythmias and torsades de pointes have been reported in patients taking these agents. Care should be exercised in patients with a prolonged QT interval at baseline or at increased risk for arrythmia. A baseline electrocardiogram should be obtained to assess for QT interval prolongation and other abnormalities. It is recommended to use appropriate diagnostic tools such as ECG to monitor patients during therapy.

Moderate:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a moderate potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Some azole antifungals have been associated with prolongation of the QT interval on the ECG. Rare cases of QT prolongation and torsade de pointes have been reported during postmarketing experience; such reports usually involved seriously ill patients with multiple confounding risk factors, such as structural heart disease, electrolyte abnormalities, and concomitant medications. These drugs should be administered with caution to patients with potentially proarrhythmic conditions, such as congenital/acquired QT prolongation, cardiomyopathy (especially when heart failure is present), sinus bradycardia, and existing symptomatic arrhythmias. Concomitant use with other medications that have potential to increase the risk of cardiotoxicity should be avoided.

Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts

Moderate:

hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine has a moderate potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.

Adverse hematologic effects including neutropenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, and thrombocytopenia have been rarely associated with 4-aminoquinolines. Therapy with 4-aminoquinolines should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting bone marrow suppression. A complete blood count should be performed periodically in patients on prolonged therapy. If any severe blood disorder appears which is not attributable to the disease under treatment, discontinuance of the drug should be considered.

Cardiomyopathy

Moderate:

hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine has a moderate potential interaction with Cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathy has been rarely reported with high daily dosages of hydroxychloroquine. Therapy with hydroxychloroquine should be monitored in patients with heart conditions. If cardiotoxicity is suspected, it is recommended to discontinue treatment with hydroxychloroquine to prevent life-threatening complications.

COPD

Major:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a major potential interaction with COPD.

Itraconazole may possess a dose-related negative inotropic effect. Transient, asymptomatic decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction were observed with IV administration in healthy volunteers; these resolved before the next infusion. Additionally, cases of congestive heart failure (CHF), peripheral edema, and pulmonary edema have been reported during postmarketing experience in patients treated for onychomycosis and/or systemic fungal infections. Itraconazole should not be used to treat onychomycosis in patients with evidence of ventricular dysfunction such as CHF or history of CHF; itraconazole should not be used for other indications in such patients unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. The risks and benefits of itraconazole therapy should be reviewed carefully in patients with risk factors for CHF (including cardiac disease [e.g., ischemic and valvular disease], significant pulmonary disease [e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease], renal failure and other edematous disorders). Patients with risk factors for CHF should be advised of the signs/symptoms of CHF, treated with caution, and monitored for signs/symptoms of CHF during therapy.

Cystic Fibrosis

Moderate:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a moderate potential interaction with Cystic Fibrosis.

In a study using itraconazole oral solution in cystic fibrosis patients, therapeutic drug levels varied and were not reached in some patients. Alternative therapy should be considered for patients who do not respond to itraconazole oral solution or itraconazole 100-mg capsules.

Diabetes Mellitus

Moderate:

hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Hydroxychloroquine has been shown to cause severe hypoglycemia including loss of consciousness that could be life threatening in patients treated with or without antidiabetic. Care should be exercised when using hydroxychloroquine in diabetic patients. Patients presenting with clinical symptoms suggestive of hypoglycemia during treatment with hydroxychloroquine should have their blood glucose checked and treatment instituted as necessary.

Fluid Retention

Major:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a major potential interaction with Fluid Retention.

Itraconazole may possess a dose-related negative inotropic effect. Transient, asymptomatic decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction were observed with IV administration in healthy volunteers; these resolved before the next infusion. Additionally, cases of congestive heart failure (CHF), peripheral edema, and pulmonary edema have been reported during postmarketing experience in patients treated for onychomycosis and/or systemic fungal infections. Itraconazole should not be used to treat onychomycosis in patients with evidence of ventricular dysfunction such as CHF or history of CHF; itraconazole should not be used for other indications in such patients unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. The risks and benefits of itraconazole therapy should be reviewed carefully in patients with risk factors for CHF (including cardiac disease [e.g., ischemic and valvular disease], significant pulmonary disease [e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease], renal failure and other edematous disorders). Patients with risk factors for CHF should be advised of the signs/symptoms of CHF, treated with caution, and monitored for signs/symptoms of CHF during therapy.

G-6-PD Deficiency

Moderate:

hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine has a moderate potential interaction with G-6-PD Deficiency.

Hemolysis and acute renal failure have been reported during use of aminoquinolines in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency. Therapy with aminoquinolines should be administered cautiously in these patients. Blood cell counts and hemoglobin determinations should be performed regularly. Aminoquinoline therapy should be discontinued immediately if signs suggestive of hemolytic anemia occur, such as marked darkening of the urine or sudden decrease in hemoglobin concentration or erythrocytic count.

Hearing Loss

Moderate:

hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine has a moderate potential interaction with Hearing Loss.

The use of 4-aminoquinolines has been associated rarely with ototoxicity. Nerve-type deafness, which is usually irreversible, has occurred during long-term, high-dose therapy. Deafness may not be apparent until several weeks after 4-aminoquinoline therapy. Tinnitus and reduced hearing have been reported in patients with preexisting auditory damage. Therapy with 4-aminoquinolines should be administered cautiously in such patients. If new auditory defects develop or if hearing loss becomes worse, therapy should be immediately discontinued and the patient closely monitored.

Heart Disease

Major:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a major potential interaction with Heart Disease.

Itraconazole may possess a dose-related negative inotropic effect. Transient, asymptomatic decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction were observed with IV administration in healthy volunteers; these resolved before the next infusion. Additionally, cases of congestive heart failure (CHF), peripheral edema, and pulmonary edema have been reported during postmarketing experience in patients treated for onychomycosis and/or systemic fungal infections. Itraconazole should not be used to treat onychomycosis in patients with evidence of ventricular dysfunction such as CHF or history of CHF; itraconazole should not be used for other indications in such patients unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. The risks and benefits of itraconazole therapy should be reviewed carefully in patients with risk factors for CHF (including cardiac disease [e.g., ischemic and valvular disease], significant pulmonary disease [e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease], renal failure and other edematous disorders). Patients with risk factors for CHF should be advised of the signs/symptoms of CHF, treated with caution, and monitored for signs/symptoms of CHF during therapy.

Hypoglycemia

Moderate:

hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine has a moderate potential interaction with Hypoglycemia.

Hydroxychloroquine has been shown to cause severe hypoglycemia including loss of consciousness that could be life threatening in patients treated with or without antidiabetic. Care should be exercised when using hydroxychloroquine in diabetic patients. Patients presenting with clinical symptoms suggestive of hypoglycemia during treatment with hydroxychloroquine should have their blood glucose checked and treatment instituted as necessary.

Immunodeficiency

Moderate:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a moderate potential interaction with Immunodeficiency.

The oral bioavailability of itraconazole 100-mg capsules may be decreased in some immunocompromised patients (e.g., neutropenic patients, AIDS patients, organ transplant recipients); in addition, since hypochlorhydria has been reported in HIV-infected patients, the absorption of itraconazole may be reduced in these patients. The dose of itraconazole 100-mg capsules should be adjusted based on the clinical response of such patients.

Itraconazole oral solution is not recommended for initial treatment in severely neutropenic patients at immediate risk of systemic candidiasis.

Liver Disease

Major:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Limited data are available on the use of oral itraconazole in patients with liver dysfunction. Itraconazole has been associated with rare cases of serious hepatotoxicity (including liver failure and death). Caution is recommended when this drug is used in patients with liver dysfunction; such patients should be carefully monitored during therapy. Treatment with itraconazole is strongly discouraged in patients with elevated or abnormal liver enzymes, with active liver disease, or who had liver toxicity with other drugs unless the situation is serious or life-threatening and the expected benefit exceeds the risk. Liver function monitoring is recommended for patients with preexisting hepatic function abnormalities or those who had liver toxicity with other drugs.

Moderate:

hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Aminoquinolines may concentrate in the liver. Isolated cases of abnormal liver function and fulminant hepatic failure have been reported. Therapy with aminoquinolines should be administered cautiously in patients with hepatic disease or alcoholism and in patients receiving other hepatotoxic drugs. Periodic evaluation of hepatic function should be performed during prolonged therapy.

Myasthenia Gravis

Moderate:

hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine has a moderate potential interaction with Myasthenia Gravis.

Certain aminoquinolines such as chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine should be used with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). These agents may exacerbate or trigger new onset of symptoms in patients with previously diagnosed MG. It is recommended to advise patients with MG about this possible side effect.

Neutropenia

Moderate:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a moderate potential interaction with Neutropenia.

The oral bioavailability of itraconazole 100-mg capsules may be decreased in some immunocompromised patients (e.g., neutropenic patients, AIDS patients, organ transplant recipients); in addition, since hypochlorhydria has been reported in HIV-infected patients, the absorption of itraconazole may be reduced in these patients. The dose of itraconazole 100-mg capsules should be adjusted based on the clinical response of such patients.

Itraconazole oral solution is not recommended for initial treatment in severely neutropenic patients at immediate risk of systemic candidiasis.

Organ Transplant

Moderate:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a moderate potential interaction with Organ Transplant.

The oral bioavailability of itraconazole 100-mg capsules may be decreased in some immunocompromised patients (e.g., neutropenic patients, AIDS patients, organ transplant recipients); in addition, since hypochlorhydria has been reported in HIV-infected patients, the absorption of itraconazole may be reduced in these patients. The dose of itraconazole 100-mg capsules should be adjusted based on the clinical response of such patients.

Itraconazole oral solution is not recommended for initial treatment in severely neutropenic patients at immediate risk of systemic candidiasis.

Porphyria

Major:

hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine has a major potential interaction with Porphyria.

The use of aminoquinolines in patients with porphyria may exacerbate the condition. Aminoquinolines should not be used in these patients unless the potential benefits are anticipated to outweigh the risks.

Psoriasis

Moderate:

hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine has a moderate potential interaction with Psoriasis.

The use of aminoquinolines in patients with psoriasis may precipitate a severe attack of psoriasis. Aminoquinolines should not be used in these patients unless the potential benefits are anticipated to outweigh the risks.

Renal Dysfunction

Major:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Itraconazole may possess a dose-related negative inotropic effect. Transient, asymptomatic decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction were observed with IV administration in healthy volunteers; these resolved before the next infusion. Additionally, cases of congestive heart failure (CHF), peripheral edema, and pulmonary edema have been reported during postmarketing experience in patients treated for onychomycosis and/or systemic fungal infections. Itraconazole should not be used to treat onychomycosis in patients with evidence of ventricular dysfunction such as CHF or history of CHF; itraconazole should not be used for other indications in such patients unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. The risks and benefits of itraconazole therapy should be reviewed carefully in patients with risk factors for CHF (including cardiac disease [e.g., ischemic and valvular disease], significant pulmonary disease [e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease], renal failure and other edematous disorders). Patients with risk factors for CHF should be advised of the signs/symptoms of CHF, treated with caution, and monitored for signs/symptoms of CHF during therapy.

Moderate:

hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Hydroxychloroquine is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. A dosage adjustment is not required for patients with renal impairment. Caution and monitoring should be exercised in patients with impaired renal function.

Moderate:

Sporanox

The itraconazole in Sporanox has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Limited data are available on the use of oral itraconazole in patients with renal dysfunction; itraconazole exposure may be lower in some of these patients. Caution is advised when using itraconazole in patients with renal dysfunction and dose adjustment may be needed. Patients with renal dysfunction should be carefully monitored when using the 65-mg capsule formulation.

Retinal Disorders

Major:

hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine has a major potential interaction with Retinal Disorders.

The use of 4-aminoquinolines is generally considered contraindicated in the presence of retinal or visual field changes, whether attributable to 4-aminoquinoline compounds or to any other etiology. However, in the treatment of acute attacks of malaria caused by susceptible strains of plasmodia, these agents may be considered if potential benefits are anticipated to outweigh the risks. 4-aminoquinolines are oculotoxic and can cause dose-related, irreversible retinal damage and vision loss during and up to several years after long-term or high-dose therapy (e.g., in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis). Ophthalmologic monitoring, including visual acuity, expert slit-lamp, funduscopic, and visual field tests, is recommended at baseline and every three months during prolonged use. Therapy should be discontinued immediately if abnormalities develop in visual acuity, visual field, or retinal macular areas (e.g., pigmentary changes, loss of foveal reflex), or if the patient experiences visual symptoms such as light flashes and streaks that are not fully explainable by difficulties of accommodation or corneal opacities. Other common symptoms that may indicate retinopathy include nyctalopia, photophobia, blurred distance vision, difficulty reading or seeing (e.g., words or letters disappearing or parts of objects missing; misty vision; fog before the eyes), and missing or blacked out areas in the central or peripheral visual field. Retinal changes and visual disturbances may progress even after cessation of therapy. However, in a number of patients, early retinopathy (macular pigmentation sometimes with central field defects) diminished or regressed completely after therapy was discontinued. Paracentral scotoma to red targets, sometimes termed premaculopathy, is indicative of early retinal dysfunction and is usually reversible with cessation of therapy.

Seizures

Moderate:

hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.

4-aminoquinolines may cause epileptic seizures in susceptible individuals. Patients with epilepsy or an otherwise low seizure threshold may be at greater risk. Therapy with 4-aminoquinolines, particularly chloroquine, should be administered cautiously in patients with epilepsy.

More resources

hydroxychloroquine

A total of 624 drugs are known to interact with hydroxychloroquine.

Sporanox

A total of 597 drugs are known to interact with Sporanox.

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.