Drug Interaction Report

Hydroxychloroquine and Aurothioglucose: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Hydroxychloroquine and Aurothioglucose interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Hydroxychloroquine

Plaquenil Plaquenil® Sovuna
+

Aurothioglucose

No brand names on record
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
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Interaction severity
Contraindicated
These should generally not be used together.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 631 documented Hydroxychloroquine interactions, 13 are rated contraindicated — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
delayed
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Contraindicated

What happens

An increased risk of blood dyscrasias

Interaction Deep Dive

The concurrent use of aurothioglucose and antimalarial agents is contraindicated2. Both aurothioglucose and antimalarial agents are capable of inducing blood dyscrasias, and concurrent use might result in an additive risk of this effect 3.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Additive potential to cause blood dyscrasias

Literature reports

1 report — tap to read

a) A case report of a 56-year old woman with rheumatoid arthritis describes the development of relapsing thrombocytopenia during successive aurothioglucose, sulfasalazine, and hydroxychloroquine treatments 1. IgM or IgG antibodies or immune complexes reactive with autologous platelets were not present. The authors suggest relapsing thrombocytopenia may indicate a genetically determined HLA-DR3 and B8 aberrant immunological response.

Common questions

Can I take Hydroxychloroquine and Aurothioglucose together?

An increased risk of blood dyscrasias Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Hydroxychloroquine and Aurothioglucose interaction?

It is rated contraindicated. These should generally not be used together.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "delayed". Effects tend to build up gradually over days to weeks.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

From our Q&A

Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Hydroxychloroquine or Aurothioglucose need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?

References (3)

  1. Wijnands MJ, Allebes WA, Boerbooms AM, et al: Thrombocytopenia due to aurothioglucose, sulphasalazine, and hydroxychloroquine. Ann Rheum Dis 1990; 49:798-800. PubMed
  2. Product Information: Solganal(R), aurothioglucose. Schering Corporation, Kenilworth, NJ, 1996.
  3. Gilman AG, Rall TW, Nies AS, et alGilman AG, Rall TW, Nies AS, et al (Eds): Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 8th. Pergamon Press, New York, NY, 1990.
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Hydroxychloroquine

Keep reading about Hydroxychloroquine

All Hydroxychloroquine interactions (631) Hydroxychloroquine drug information
Also serious with: Mesoridazine Bepridil Levoketoconazole Ziprasidone
Aurothioglucose

Keep reading about Aurothioglucose

All Aurothioglucose interactions (3)
Also serious with: Chloroquine Mefloquine
Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

Hydroxychloroquine + Activated Charcoal American Hellebore Arsenic Cesium Ephedra Grapefruit Sida Cordifolia Bitter Orange + 24 more

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.