O General Information and Indications:
Hydroxychloroquine is in a class of
drugs called antimalarials. It is used to prevent and treat acute attacks of
malaria. It is also used to treat discoid or systemic lupus erythematosus
and rheumatoid arthritis in patients whose symptoms have not improved with
other treatments.
O Information For Users:
Hydroxychloroquine comes as a tablet to take by
mouth. For prevention of malaria in adults, two tablets are usually taken
once a week on exactly the same day of each week. The first dose is taken
1-2 weeks before traveling to an area where malaria is common, and then
doses are continued for 8 weeks after exposure. For treatment of acute
attacks of malaria in adults, four tablets are usually taken right away,
followed by two tablets 6-8 hours later and then two tablets on each of the
next 2 days.
For prevention or treatment of malaria in infants and children, the amount
of hydroxychloroquine is based on the child's weight. Your doctor will
calculate this amount and tell you how much hydroxychloroquine your child
should receive.
For lupus erythematosus, one or two tablets are usually taken once or twice
daily. For rheumatoid arthritis, one to three tablets are usually taken once
a day.
Hydroxychloroquine can be taken with a glass of milk or a meal to decrease
stomach upset. Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask your
doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Take hydroxychloroquine
exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often
than prescribed by your health care provider.
If you are taking hydroxychloroquine for symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis,
your symptoms should improve within 6 months. If your rheumatoid arthritis
symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, stop taking the drug and call
your doctor. Once you and your doctor are sure the drug works for you, Do
not discontinue taking hydroxychloroquine without informing your doctor.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis will return if you stop taking
hydroxychloroquine.
Other uses for this medicine
Hydroxychloroquine is used occasionally to treat porphyria cutanea tarda.
Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication.
O Special
precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine (Aralen), primaquine, or any
other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
drugs you are taking, especially acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), digoxin (Lanoxin),
iron-containing medications (including multivitamins), isoniazid (Nydrazid),
methotrexate (Rheumatrex), niacin, rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), and
vitamins and herbal products.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding liver disease, psoriasis,
porphyria or other blood disorders, G-6-PD deficiency, dermatitis (skin
inflammations), or if you drink large amounts of alcohol.
o Inform your doctor if you have ever had vision changes while taking
hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine (Aralen), or primaquine.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking hydroxychloroquine, call
your doctor.
If you are taking hydroxychloroquine for a long
period of time, your doctor will recommend frequent eye exams. It is very
important that you keep these appointments. Hydroxychloroquine can cause
serious vision problems. If you experience any changes in vision, stop
taking hydroxychloroquine and call your doctor without delay.
O
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Though adverse effects of hydroxychloroquine
are not common, they could occur.Inform your doctor if any of the following
symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o headache
o dizziness
o loss of appetite (anorexia)
o upset stomach
o diarrhea
o stomach pain
o vomiting
o skin rash
If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor without delay:
o reading or seeing difficulties (words, letters, or parts of objects
missing)
o sensitivity to light
o blurred distance vision
o seeing light flashes or streaks
o difficulty hearing
o ringing in the ears (Tinnitus)
o muscle weakness
o bleeding or bruising of the skin
o bleaching or loss of hair
o mood or mental changes
o irregular heartbeat
o drowsiness
o convulsions
O Brand Name(s):
o Plaquenil® |
