Hydroxychloroquine is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) and antimalarial agent that is primarily used for:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Discoid lupus erythematosus
- Malaria prevention and treatment
- Investigated (off-label) use in COVID-19, Sjögren’s syndrome, and other autoimmune conditions.
It is widely sold under the brand names Plaquenil, Hydroquin, and HCQS in dosages such as 200 mg and 400 mg tablets.
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🔬 What is Hydroxychloroquine?
Hydroxychloroquine is a synthetic derivative of chloroquine. It is primarily used to reduce inflammation in autoimmune diseases and prevent malaria infection in regions with chloroquine-sensitive strains.
🧬 Mechanism of Action:
Hydroxychloroquine works by:
- Suppressing the immune system’s overactivity
- Interfering with antigen presentation and toll-like receptor signaling
- Increasing pH in intracellular vacuoles, disrupting lysosomal activity
This leads to reduced joint swelling, pain, and skin lesions in autoimmune diseases.
🩺 Uses of Hydroxychloroquine:
- ✅ Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- ✅ Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- ✅ Discoid lupus
- ✅ Malaria prophylaxis and treatment
- ✅ Sjögren’s syndrome (off-label)
- ✅ COVID-19 (off-label and under clinical trial)
📋 Dosage Information:
- Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg – Most commonly prescribed dose
- Typical adult dosage for RA or SLE: 200–400 mg/day
- Malaria prophylaxis: 400 mg once weekly
- Malaria treatment: 800 mg initial dose, followed by 400 mg at 6, 24, and 48 hours
Always consult a doctor before initiating treatment. Long-term use requires regular eye exams.
⚠️ Common Side Effects:
- Nausea or stomach cramps
- Headache or dizziness
- Skin rash
- Visual disturbances or blurred vision
- Retinal toxicity (with long-term use)
❓ People Also Ask
✅ What is Hydroxychloroquine used to treat?
Hydroxychloroquine is used to treat autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and also for malaria prevention.
✅ Is Hydroxychloroquine an antibiotic?
No, Hydroxychloroquine is not an antibiotic. It is an antimalarial and immune-modulating medication.
✅ How does Hydroxychloroquine work for lupus?
It reduces immune overactivity and inflammation, helping manage skin lesions, joint pain, and fatigue in lupus patients.
✅ Can Hydroxychloroquine cure arthritis?
It doesn’t cure arthritis, but it helps control symptoms like joint swelling and stiffness over time.
✅ Is Hydroxychloroquine used for COVID-19?
It was studied for COVID-19 early in the pandemic, but it is no longer recommended by the WHO, FDA, or CDC due to a lack of proven benefit and possible risks.