Hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine, sold under the brand name Plaquenil among others, is a medication used for the prevention and treatment of certain types of malaria. Specifically it is used for chloroquine sensitive malaria.

Hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine; Plaquenil; Oxichloroquine; Oxychlorochin; Oxychloroquine

Arthoquin, Hcqs, Hqtor, Hydrocad, Hydroquin, Mcqs, Oxcq, Oxy-Q, Rhq, Winflam, Zy-Q

2-({4-[(7-chloroquinolin-4-yl)amino]pentyl}(ethyl)amino)ethan-1-ol

Oral absorption.

Hydroxychloroquine possesses antimalarial properties and also exerts a beneficial effect in lupus erythematosus (chronic discoid or systemic) and acute or chronic rheumatoid arthritis. The precise mechanism of action is not known.

400mg/day for 4 -6 weeks. For maintenance: 200mg/day per oral.

For the suppressive treatment and treatment of acute attacks of malaria due to Plasmodium vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and susceptible strains of P. falciparum. It is also indicated for the treatment of discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Retinopathy, photosensitivity, hair loss, tinnitus, leucopenia, myopathy (long-term therapy), GI upsets, psychosis, seizures and rarely aplastic anaemia, hepatitis, hypokalaemia, dizziness, pruritus, headache, urticaria, difficulty in visual accommodation. Loss of hair, bleaching of hair pigment, bluish-black pigmentation of the mucous membranes and skin, photosensitivity, tinnitus, reduced hearing, nerve deafness, neuromyopathy, and myopathy, including cardiomyopathy.

• Serum levels of hydroxychloroquine may increase Cimetidine.
• Avoid digoxin and alcohol.
• Risk of ventricular arrhythmias may be increased when used with halofantrine.
• Absorption of hydroxychloroquine may be decreased by kaolin or Mg trisilicate.
• Concurrent use with mefloquine may increase the risk of convulsions.

Retinal or visual field changes, known hypersensitivity. Long-term use in children.

Store below 30°C. 

Molecular weight

335.872

Molecular formula

C18H26ClN3O

CAS number

118-42-3

Precautions

• Antimalarials must be used with caution in patients with alcoholism or hepatic disease or in conjunction with known hepatotoxic drugs.
• Impaired liver or renal function, severe GI disorders, porphyria, psoriasis, neurological disorders especially a history of epilepsy, myasthenia gravis, G6PD deficiency, pregnancy, lactation.
• Test periodically for muscle weakness.
•  Perform baseline and periodic 6-mth eye exams
• Monitor CBC in patients receiving prolonged therapy.