What are hydroxychloroquine tablets used for

07/18/2024

 

What is Hydroxychloroquine, and what are its uses?

Hydroxychloroquine is a prescription drug available in oral form as tablets. It is available as both a brand and a generic drug. The famous brand names are Plaquenil and Quineprox. It belongs to the class of medications called Antimalarial quinolines and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). In addition to treating Malaria, it is also beneficial in treating autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. While treating Malaria, it neutralizes the parasites that cause the disease. On the other hand, it slows down the immune system while being used for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. This, in turn, helps slow down the disease progression. You save money by opting for generic Hydroxychloroquine 200mg Tablets but after consultation with your healthcare provider.

Note: Do not use this medication to treat Coronavirus infection (COVID-19) unless your doctor asks you to do so.

How do you take this medication?

• Hydroxychloroquine is taken orally with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or cut the medication; it must be swallowed.

• You must take this medication as and when prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed dosage.

• This medication should preferably be taken with food or milk to avoid an upset stomach.

• You must complete the treatment span. Do not stop taking the medication abruptly, although your condition might have improved.

•  Do not share this medication with others, even if they show similar symptoms.

• If you forget to take the medication, take it as soon as you can. However, if it’s time for the next dose, confine yourself to only the next dose. Do not double the dose.

• Seek immediate medical attention if you think you have overdosed.

What should you inform your doctor before taking this medication?

Before you start taking Hydroxychloroquine, you must let your doctor know about the following:

• If you are allergic to chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, any other drug, food, or dyes.

• If you have diabetes, heart, liver, or kidney disease

• Inform your doctor about vision impairment, if any.

• If you have any skin conditions like psoriasis or porphyria.

• If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant

• If you are a breastfeeding mother

• If you drink alcohol frequently

Side effects of Hydroxychloroquine

Other than the positive effects of the medication, you may also experience its common as well as severe side. The common side does not require medical attention and would subside in a couple of weeks. However, if they persist for longer or worsen over time, inform your healthcare provider immediately. A few of the common side effects are mentioned below:

• Headache

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Stomach Cramps

• Dizziness

The severe side effects of Hydroxychloroquine are listed below.

• Blurred vision or any modification in vision

• Heart disease or alteration in heart rhythm or uneven heartbeat.

• Ringing or buzzing sound  in the ears

• Change in skin color, enhanced skin sensitivity to sunlight, or skin swelling.

• Loss of hair or changes in the color of hair

• Mental health effects such as depression, self-harming thoughts, anxiety, and memory loss.

• Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.

• Hives and sore throat.

Those mentioned above are not the only possible severe side effects. You might come across other side effects as well. Seek immediate doctor’s attention if you witness any of these side effects to prevent the situation from worsening.

How to Store the medication?

• Store this medication at room temperature (25 to 30 degrees C), away from direct sunlight.

• Keep this medication out of children's and pets' reach.

• If the medication has expired or is no longer required, hand over the medication to the medication take-back program.

• If you cannot return the medication, check with your doctor to see if it is safe to dispose of in the trash or if it can be flushed down the toilet.

Interaction with Hydroxychloroquine

Drug interaction can alter the efficacy of the medication and may cause serious side effects. Your healthcare professional will decide if prescribing Hydroxychloroquine would be safe for your health. You might also be advised to change your other medicines. Hydroxychloroquine should not be taken along with the following medications:

• Cisapride, Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine

• Antacids, Ampicillin, Methotrexate, Mefloquine or Prazoquantel.

• Diabetes medications such as Insulin, Glipizide, and Glyburide.

• Seizure medications such as Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, and Phenytoin.

• Medications for QT prolongation (abnormal heart rhythm).

Other than those listed above, there may also be other possible interactions. Inform your doctor about other prescription, non-prescription, herbal products, and supplements you might be taking.

Conclusion

Hydroxychloroquine is mainly prescribed to prevent or treat malaria. It is recommended that people take this medication two weeks before visiting a malaria-prone area and should continue for four weeks after they are out. See your doctor as soon as possible if you have been exposed to malaria or have a fever or other symptoms of the disease. The prolonged use of Hydroxychloroquine minimizes pain, inflammation, and joint stiffness. It is also beneficial in improving skin rash. Hence, doctors prescribe this drug for treating Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus also. You must stick to the prescribed dosage and complete the specified span of treatment, even if the symptoms improve.