Product Description
Find answers to common questions about our product, including dosage, storage, and side effects.
- Hydroxychloroquine is employed to prevent or treat malaria resulting from mosquito bites. Stay informed about the latest guidelines and travel recommendations from the United States Center for Disease Control, especially when planning to visit malaria-prone regions. Discuss the most recent information with your doctor before travelling to ensure proper prevention and treatment measures.
- This medication is used to treat certain autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. It belongs to a class of drugs known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). In lupus, it can alleviate skin problems, while in rheumatoid arthritis, it helps prevent swelling and pain.
- It’s important to note that hydroxychloroquine is not recommended for the treatment of coronavirus infection (COVID-19) unless you are participating in a study. Consult with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with its use in the context of COVID-19.
- Take this medication orally as prescribed by your doctor. To minimize stomach upset, consume it with food or milk. Swallow the tablets whole, as breaking or crushing them may result in a bitter taste. The dosage and treatment duration depends on your medical condition and response to therapy, with children’s doses determined by weight.
- For malaria prevention, take the medication weekly on the same day, starting 1 to 2 weeks before entering a malarious area. Continue weekly dosing while in the area and for 4 to 8 weeks after leaving or as directed by your doctor. To treat malaria, adhere to your doctor’s instructions.
- In the case of lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, take the medication as directed, typically once or twice daily. Your doctor may gradually adjust your dose. Once your condition improves, your doctor may instruct you to reduce the dose to find the optimal balance between effectiveness and minimal side effects.
- If you’re also using a diarrhea drug (kaolin) or antacids (magnesium/aluminum hydroxide), take hydroxychloroquine at least 4 hours before or after these products to prevent interference with absorption.
- Use this medication regularly to maximize its benefits. If taken daily, establish a consistent schedule. Follow your prescription precisely and do not discontinue without consulting your doctor, especially for malaria prevention. Continuation for the prescribed duration is crucial to avoid infection or recurrence.
- Report any lasting or worsening conditions to your doctor. Improvement for lupus or arthritis may take weeks or months. Note that hydroxychloroquine may not prevent all malaria cases. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience fever or other symptoms while in a malarious area or within 2 months of returning; an alternative medication may be necessary. Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
- Common side effects of this medication may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dizziness, or headache. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
- Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefits outweigh the risks for you. Many users do not experience serious side effects.
- Notify your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects, such as slow heartbeat, symptoms of heart failure (shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, sudden weight gain), mental/mood changes (anxiety, depression, rare thoughts of suicide, hallucinations), hearing changes (ringing in the ears, hearing loss), easy bruising/bleeding, signs of liver disease (severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), signs of kidney problems (changes in urine volume), muscle weakness, unwanted/uncontrolled movements (including tongue/face twitching), hair loss, or changes in hair/skin color.
- This medication may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Report symptoms like sudden sweating, shaking, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet promptly. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugars regularly, as your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication.
- Seek immediate medical assistance for very serious side effects, including severe dizziness, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, or seizures.
- Serious eye/vision problems may result from long-term and high-dose use of this medication. Get prompt medical help if you experience symptoms such as sensitivity to light, or vision changes (light flashes/streaks, blurred vision, difficulty reading, missing areas of vision).
- While rare, a severe allergic reaction to this drug can occur. Seek medical help immediately if you observe symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
- This list does not cover all possible side effects. If you notice any other effects not mentioned, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
- Before taking hydroxychloroquine, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies to it, chloroquine, or other substances in the product, as inactive ingredients may cause allergic reactions.
- Provide your medical history, especially if you have a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, vision/eye problems, hearing problems, kidney disease, liver disease, alcohol use, skin conditions (such as psoriasis), or a certain blood disorder (porphyria).
- If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar regularly, and report any symptoms of low blood sugar to your doctor. Adjustments to your diabetes medication, exercise, or diet may be necessary.
- Hydroxychloroquine may cause dizziness, and the use of alcohol or marijuana can intensify this effect. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you can do so safely. Limit alcohol consumption and discuss marijuana use with your doctor.
- This medication may increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Limit your sun exposure, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and use sunscreen and protective clothing. Notify your doctor of any sunburn or skin issues.
- Before undergoing surgery, inform your doctor or dentist of all products you use, including prescriptions, non-prescriptions, and herbal products.
- Hydroxychloroquine may affect heart rhythm (QT prolongation), which can lead to serious or fatal complications. Inform your doctor of your medical history, especially heart problems, and disclose all medications you are taking.
- Low potassium or magnesium levels in the blood can increase the risk of QT prolongation. Discuss the use of hydroxychloroquine with your doctor, especially if you take diuretics or experience conditions like severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, particularly QT prolongation.
- During pregnancy, use hydroxychloroquine only, when necessary, after discussing risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Consult your doctor before breastfeeding, as the medication passes into breast milk.
| Generic name: | Hydroxychloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate, Hydroxychloroquine |
|---|---|
| Formulation: | Tablet |
| Strength(s): | 200mg |
| Quantities Available: | 60, 90, 120, 180 |
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