Uses of Hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine is used to prevent and treat malarial infections. It is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus in adults and to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children. Also, it is used to treat skin problems (which are sensitivity to sunlight).

Therapeutic Category

Hydroxychloroquine: Antimalarials or Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

How Hydroxychloroquine works

Hydroxychloroquine works by increasing the potential of Hydrogen (pH) in a cell which disrupts the survival of infectious organisms and it also decreases the release of inflammatory enzymes. As a result, Hydroxychloroquine treats malarial infections in children and adults, it also treats rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus in adults.

Common side effects of Hydroxychloroquine

• Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Skin rashes or itching
• Mood swings with uncontrollable laughing or crying

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor, if you experience:

• Severe allergic reactions (such as skin rash, redness, itching, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue)
• Blistering of the skin, particularly the mouth, face, nose and genitals, fever and flu-like symptoms such as eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), stevens-johnson syndrome
• Lowering of the blood glucose level
• Muscle weakness, muscle spasms or cramps, or changes in sensation of your skin (tingling)
• Eye problems (changes in the colour of the eye, blurring vision, sensitivity to light)
• Weakening of the heart muscle, chest pain, an irregular or abnormal heartbeat, feeling dizzy or tired, swelling of feet, ankles and legs
• Abnormal bleeding or bruising, tiredness and pale skin
• Recurrent infections such as sore throat, mouth ulcers and fever
• Muscle stiffness, abnormal movements or shivering of body parts
• Altered behaviour

Health Tips for Hydroxychloroquine

• Take Hydroxychloroquine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip doses or take extra doses unless advised by your healthcare provider
• Drinking alcohol while taking Hydroxychloroquine can increase the risk of adverse effects
• Drink plenty of water while taking Hydroxychloroquine to help reduce the risk of side effects
• Attend regular health checkups while taking this medicine
• Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements and herbal products you are taking, as Hydroxychloroquine can interact with certain drugs
• Hydroxychloroquine should be used with caution in pregnant or breastfeeding women