Hydroxychloroquine
Possesses antimalarial actions and also exerts a beneficial effect in erythematosus (chronic discoid or systemic) and acute or chronic rheumatoid arthritis. The precise mechanism of action is not known.Indicated for the suppressive treatment and treatment of acute attacks of malaria due to Plasmodium vavax, P.malariae, P.ovale, and susceptible strains of P.falciparum, also indicated for the treatment of discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Malaria: One tablet of 200mg of hydroxychloroquine sulfate is equivalent to 155mg base. Malaria : Suppression.In adults : 400mg on exactly the same day of each week. In infants and children, the weekly suppressive dosage is 5mg, calculated as base, per kg of body weight. Acute attack - In adults, an initial dose of 800mg followed by 400mg in six to eight hours and 400mg on each of two consecutive days. In Children : 25mg of base per kg of body weight is administered in three days. First dose : 1
Use of this drug is contraindicated in the presence of retinal or visual field changes attributable to any 4-aminoquinoline compound, in patients with known hypersensitivity to 4-aminoquinoline compounds, for long-term therapy in children.
Administered with caution in patients having G-6-PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) deficienccy & hepatic disease or alcoholism or in conjuction with known hepatotoxic drugs. Not effective against chlorquine-resistant strains of P.falciparum patients. Use of hydroxychloroquine sulfate in patients with psoriasis may precipitate a severe attack of psoriasis. Usage in Pregnancy - avoided
Abdominal cramps, abnormal eye pigmentation, anemia, blisters in mouth and eye, blood disorders, "foggy vision." hearing loss, heart problems, hives, involuntary eyeball movement, irritability, liver problems or failure, loss of hair, loss of lack of appetite, muscle paralysis, muscle weakness and wasting nightmares, psoriasis (dry, scaly, red skin patches).
Hydroxychloroquine may interact with other medications, including certain antibiotics, antiepileptic drugs, and cardiac medications. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before starting hydroxychloroquine.
