Drug Interaction Report

Rosiglitazone and Hydroxychloroquine: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Rosiglitazone and Hydroxychloroquine 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
+

Rosiglitazone

Avandia®
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
Major
Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
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 45 documented Rosiglitazone interactions, 25 are rated major — 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
unspecified
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Major

What happens

Enhanced hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetics and an increased risk of hypoglycemia

Interaction Deep Dive

Hydroxychloroquine may enhance the effects of hypoglycemic treatment, a decrease in doses of insulin or other antidiabetic drugs may be required2. Measure blood glucose in patients presenting with clinical symptoms suggestive of hypoglycemia and as adjust the antidiabetic treatment as necessary. Warn hydroxychloroquine-treated patients about the risk of hypoglycemia and educate them on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia; diabetic patients should monitor their blood sugar levels. Advise patients to seek medical attention if they develop any signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia 1.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Additive hypoglycemia

Common questions

Can I take Rosiglitazone and Hydroxychloroquine together?

Enhanced hypoglycemic effect of antidiabetics and an increased risk of hypoglycemia Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Rosiglitazone and Hydroxychloroquine interaction?

It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.

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 Rosiglitazone or Hydroxychloroquine 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 (2)

  1. Product Information: SOVUNA(R) oral tablets, hydroxychloroquine sulfate oral tablets. ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (per FDA), Baudette, MN, 2024. DailyMed
  2. US Food & Drug Administration (FDA): Fact sheet for health care providers emergency use authorization (EUA) of hydroxychloroquine sulfate supplied from the strategic national stockpile for treatment of COVID-19 in certain hospitalized patients. US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Silver Spring, MD. 2020.
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Hydroxychloroquine

Keep reading about Hydroxychloroquine

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

Keep reading about Rosiglitazone

All Rosiglitazone interactions (45) Rosiglitazone drug information
Also serious with: Moxifloxacin Ofloxacin Otic Insulin Glulisine (Rdna Origin) Injection Octreotide
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.