Hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine is used for treating infections caused by mosquitoes which lead to malaria. However, the drug is not effective in treating certain kind of malaria like chloroquine-resistant. In addition to this, the drug helps in treating other auto-immune diseases like arthritis, lupus or rheumatoid. The drug falls under the category of medications which are called as Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs). The use of this medication is helpful in preventing skin problems and also swelling in the case of arthritis.

DOSAGE–

• Hydroxychloroquine has to be taken as directed by the doctors.
• Adult and pediatric dosages: Oral Tablet: 400 mg orally on the same day every week

SIDE EFFECTS–

• Blurred vision
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty in breathing
• Dizziness
• Irregular heartbeats
• Headache
• Joint or muscle pain
• Loss of hearing
• Stomach pain
• Swelling in the feet or lower legs
• Tiredness or weakness
• Yellow eyes or skin

SIDE EFFECTS–

• Irritation
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Nightmares
• Shakiness and unsteady walk
• Uncontrolled eye movements
• Unsteadiness
• Vomiting

DRUG INTERACTIONS–

• Aurothioglucose
• Bedaquiline
• Droperidol
• Efavirenz
• Escitalopram
• Fingolimod
• Gatifloxacin
• Nilotinib
• Osimertinib
• Panobinostat
• Vigabatrin
• Ziprasidone
• Bepridil
• Ivosidenib
• Mesoridazine
• Cabozantinib

Hydroxychloroquine has major interactions with 57 different drugs.

MODERATE DRUG INTERACTIONS –

• Azithromycin
• Duloxetine
• Elotuzumab
• Encorafenib
• Granisetron
• Rosuvastatin
• Salmeterol
• Nortriptyline
• Ofloxacin
• Voriconazole
• Zafirlukast
• Ketoconazole
• Lactulose
• Halothane
• Histrelin
• Benznidazole

Hydroxychloroquine has moderate interactions with 262 different drugs.

PRECAUTIONS–

• This drug contains inactive ingredients which may result in allergic reactions. So a pharmacist must be consulted before consuming it.
• It is necessary to discuss any medical history related to eye problems, blood disorders, diabetes, liver and kidney disease, and various skin problems.
• Since this drug makes a person dizzy so activities like driving and others which need more attention should be avoided.
• Use of this drug show more sensitive symptoms on adults like confusion, drowsiness or constipation.
• This drug makes the skin very sensitive to the sun. So going out in the sun should be avoided
• Avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages as it can have adverse effects on liver.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION WITH HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE:

• Use of Hydroxychloroquine in pregnancy may be acceptable only if the benefits exceed the risks involved.
• Studies in animal pregnancy have shown adverse effects on fetus. But no adequate studies have been found in humans to access the damage involved.
• Hydroxychloroquine transfers into breast milk. Preferable precautions must be taken during breast feeding.
• The use of this drug is not effective for treating Rheumatoid Arthritis during pregnancy.

WARNINGS–

• Use of this medication is not considered safe and effective for a long-term in children.
•  Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.