Hydroxychloroquine requires monitoring for hypoglycemia when used with which type of medications?

• A. Insulin
• B. Metformin
• C. Sulfonylureas
• D. Antidiabetic medications

Answer: (D)

Hydroxychloroquine can lower blood glucose by increasing insulin sensitivity and, in some cases, reducing hepatic glucose output. When it’s taken with medicines that already lower glucose, this effect can be amplified, raising the risk of hypoglycemia. Because this interaction can occur with any antidiabetic drug, careful monitoring is advised anytime hydroxychloroquine is used alongside an antidiabetic regimen. This is why the broad category of antidiabetic medications is the best fit: the risk isn’t limited to a single agent, but spans the whole class. In practice, check blood glucose more frequently and adjust the antidiabetic therapy as needed, while watching for signs of hypoglycemia.