Overview:
Hydroxychloroquine, otherwise called hydroxychloroquine sulfate, is an oral tablet and a prescription drug. It is available as a drug called Plaquenil and a generic version. It was first used to prevent and treat malaria, which is a viral infection spread through mosquito bites. Nowadays, it is also being used in various immune system disorders. Hydroxychloroquine can be used alone or in combination with other drugs.
Keep this medicine away from children, as it can be fatal even if they swallow a few tablets. Avoid taking this medicine if you have skin conditions such as psoriasis, as it can worsen it. This tablet can potentially affect your vision (eyes) and can result in heart disease.
Drug Group:
Hydroxychloroquine belongs to the class of drugs called antimalarials. The drugs in this group are used to treat and prevent malaria. Some of the other drugs used against malaria are Quinine, Chloroquine, Pyrimethamine, and Mefloquine. Hydroxychloroquine is also considered a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), as it relieves pain and swelling seen in rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory autoimmune conditions.
What Is Hydroxychloroquine Used For?
Hydroxychloroquine is used in the treatment of:
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Some types of malaria (resistant and complicated cases require combination therapy).
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Rheumatoid arthritis - an autoimmune disease that results in joint pain and damage.
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Certain symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (first-line drug) - an autoimmune condition that can affect the skin, kidney, joints, and other organs.
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Juvenile idiopathic arthritis or childhood arthritis - joint inflammation and pain before 16 years of age.
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Porphyria cutanea tarda - a type of blood disorder called porphyria that affects the skin.
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Q fever or query fever - an infection caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii.
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Primary Sjögren syndrome (not very effective) - an autoimmune condition that affects the salivary glands.
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Post-Lyme arthritis - joint pain and inflammation that affects patients with Lyme disease, which is an infectious disease that is caused by the bacteria Borrelia.
Never take Hydroxychloroquine or any other medicine without consulting your doctor first.
How Does Hydroxychloroquine Work?
The exact mechanism of action of Hydroxychloroquine is still not understood, but it is believed to act against the erythrocytic forms of malarial parasites. Hydroxychloroquine has the ability to bind and alter DNA. This drug is taken up by the acidic food vacuoles (membrane-sacs that contain food in the malarial parasite) in the human blood (RBC). This results in an increase in the pH of the food vacuoles, inhibiting phospholipid metabolism. It also suppresses the asexual reproduction of the parasite in the red blood cells.
And as for its role in treating arthritis, hydroxychloroquine is believed to be a mild immunosuppressant. It inhibits the production of rheumatoid factor, which is the protein that is produced by the immune system and can attack the healthy tissue of the body. This drug gets accumulated in white blood cells (WBC) and inhibits the action of various enzymes, which are responsible for the breakdown of cartilage.
Onset Of Action:
The time required for HCQ to start acting varies based on the patient. The onset of action is approximately 4 to 6 weeks. The dose needs to be adjusted based on the patient’s response to the medicine after 4 to 6 weeks.
Habit-Forming:
There have been no reports of the habit-forming tendency in people taking HCQ.
Expiry Date:
Avoid taking this medicine after it expires. The expiry date will be printed on the back of the pack.
What Is the Dosage of Hydroxychloroquine?
The dosage of Hydroxychloroquine will be decided by your doctor based on your age, weight, and other medical conditions. You will be first started on a low dosage, and depending on how your body reacts, the dosage will be modified. HCQ is available in 200 mg strength.
HCQ dosage for adults:
HCQ dosage for children:
In patients with kidney and liver disease, the dosage will be adjusted by your doctor depending on the creatinine clearance and liver function test.
How to Use Hydroxychloroquine?
HCQ is available in tablet form, which is to be taken orally. To prevent malaria when you travel to a country where malaria is epidemic, two tablets have to be taken once a week on the same day every week. This has to be started at least a couple of weeks before you travel and has to be continued for at least 8 weeks after coming back.
For the treatment of malaria, generally, four tablets are taken together, and then the dose is tapered over the next two days.
For children under 18 years of age, the dose for malaria prevention and treatment has to be calculated based on the child’s weight. This your doctor will do, and never take Hydroxychloroquine or any other medicine unless prescribed by your doctor.
In case you are using this medicine for rheumatoid arthritis, it should lower the symptoms in 6 months. If it does not improve, stop the drug and consult your doctor. In case the drug relieves your symptoms, then do not stop it before consulting your doctor, as the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis will start again. This medicine can make you nauseous. Taking it with a glass of milk will help reduce this. Never take it more or less than prescribed and follow your doctor’s advice strictly.
Missed Dose:
If in case you miss a dose, you can take it as soon as you remember about missing the tablet. But if it is already time for the next dose, then do not take two tablets together, as it might result in severe adverse reactions. Just skip the missed dose and take the next dosage.
What Are the Drug Warnings and Precautions?
There are a few things that need to be considered before taking this tablet, and tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
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COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease) - This drug is being used off-label for the treatment of COVID-19. Avoid self-medication in order to prevent or treat coronavirus infection, as it can be fatal. Only take it if your doctor prescribes it.
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Pregnancy - Unless absolutely necessary, HCQ is not recommended for pregnant women. If you do take it, it should be done under strict medical supervision.
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Breastfeeding - It is not recommended to take HCQ while breastfeeding. The risks should be discussed with your doctor if it is absolutely necessary.
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Heart problems - HCQ can worsen pre-existing heart disease. The patient’s heart function and vital signs should be closely monitored and dosage should be altered or alternative drug should be prescribed in case changes are noted.
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Hearing impairment - This drug should be used with caution in patients with hearing problems, as it might worsen the condition.
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Driving or operating heavy machinery - As this drug can result in dizziness, and visual disturbances, it is advised not to drive or operate any other heavy machinery. Your mind needs to be extremely alert while performing these activities.
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Muscle weakness - If used for a long period, HCQ can result in muscle weakness. Make sure you monitor the patient’s skeletal muscle function and tendon reflexes while on this drug.
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Kidney problems - This drug can increase the risk of severe complications in patients with kidney disease. It has to be prescribed cautiously and keep monitoring the kidney function.
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Liver diseases - HCQ also increases the risk of severe side effects in patients with liver problems. The patient’s liver function has to be monitored closely, and the appropriate dose adjustment has to be done.
What Are the Side Effects of Hydroxychloroquine?
The common side effects seen with Hydroxychloroquine oral tablet include:
These symptoms are usually mild and most usually go away in a few days. If it does not, consult a doctor immediately.
The serious side effects seen with Hydroxychloroquine oral tablet include:
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Vision problems such as blurry vision. This can be permanent in some cases.
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Heart problems such as heart failure and heart rhythm problems.
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Hives.
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Bronchospasm - tightening of the muscles that line the airway.
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Hearing loss.
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Angioedema - severe swelling of the skin.
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Hypoglycemia - low blood sugar.
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Bruising.
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Mood swings.
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Suicidal thoughts.
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Muscle weakness.
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Hair loss.
If you notice any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. This drug can also cause other side effects that are not listed here, so always consult a doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
What Are the Interactions of Hydroxychloroquine?
It is natural for all drugs to interact with other drugs, food, and supplements. This interaction can result in certain unwanted side effects. The common interactions of HCQ are:
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With medicine -
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Thioridazine.
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Antidiabetic medicines.
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Atorvastatin.
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Magnesium Hydroxide.
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With disease -
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Porphyria - Porphyria is a type of blood disorder where porphyrin builds up in the body. This medicine can worsen this condition and is not recommended for porphyria patients.
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Seizures - It should be avoided in seizure patients, as it can increase the risk of severe side effects.
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Visual impairment - HCQ should be avoided in patients with retinal problems or visual disturbances. Stop the drug if you notice vision problems.
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Liver disease - It should be avoided in patients with liver disease, as it can increase the risk of severe side effects.
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With alcohol - Alcoholism can damage the liver and alter the way Hydroxychloroquine works in the body.
What Are the Common Brand or Trade Name of Hydroxychloroquine?
The common brand or trade names of Hydroxychloroquine are:
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Tablet Plaquenil 200 mg.
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Tablet Quineprox 200 mg.
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Hydrowell 200.
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MEG QCS-200.
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HCQS-400.
Consult a doctor if you do not feel fine even after taking Hydroxychloroquine. Avoid self-medication.
