Hydroxychloroquine

What is hydroxychloroquine?

Hydroxychloroquine is a medication primarily used to prevent and treat malaria, a disease caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antimalarials. Additionally, it is also used to treat autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. These conditions cause the immune system to attack the body, and hydroxychloroquine helps reduce the symptoms by modulating the immune response.

What is hydroxychloroquine used for?

Hydroxychloroquine has several important uses:

1. Malaria Prevention and Treatment: It’s commonly prescribed to prevent malaria in areas where the disease is widespread. It’s also used to treat active malaria infections.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: In people with rheumatoid arthritis, it helps reduce pain, swelling, and joint damage by suppressing the overactive immune system.
3. Lupus: For those with lupus, a condition where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, it helps manage flare-ups and reduces the risk of severe complications.
4. Other Autoimmune Conditions: Hydroxychloroquine may also be prescribed for other autoimmune diseases where inflammation is a key issue.

How it Works

Hydroxychloroquine works in different ways depending on the condition it’s treating. For malaria, it interferes with the growth of parasites in the red blood cells. The exact mechanism of how it works in autoimmune diseases isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to alter the activity of the immune system, reducing inflammation and the immune response that causes the symptoms of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Dosage

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of hydroxychloroquine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. 

Overdose

An overdose of hydroxychloroquine can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Symptoms may include headaches, drowsiness, visual disturbances, seizures, and heart problems. 

Hydroxychloroquine Side Effects

Like all medications, hydroxychloroquine can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting: These are the most common side effects and usually lessen as your body adjusts to the medication.
• Headaches: Some people may experience mild to moderate headaches.
• Loss of appetite: This can occur, particularly when starting the medication.
• Stomach Cramps: Some users report stomach pain or discomfort.

More serious side effects are rare but can include:

• Vision Changes: It can affect the eyes, leading to blurred vision or even permanent damage in rare cases. Regular eye exams are recommended.
• Heart Problems: In very rare instances, hydroxychloroquine can cause heart rhythm issues.
• Severe skin reactions: Though uncommon, some people may experience serious skin rashes.

Always talk to your doctor about any side effects you experience, especially if they are severe or do not go away. Your doctor can adjust your dose or suggest ways to manage any discomfort.