Hydroxychloroquine: Effective Antimalarial and Immunomodulatory Therapy
| Product dosage: 200mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 10 | $4.30 | $43.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 20 | $3.44 | $86.00 $68.80 (20%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 30 | $3.15 | $129.00 $94.60 (27%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $3.01 | $258.00 $180.60 (30%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $2.87 | $387.00 $258.00 (33%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $2.51 | $516.00 $301.00 (42%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $2.39 | $774.00 $430.00 (44%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $2.23 | $1161.00 $602.00 (48%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $2.05
Best per pill | $1548.00 $739.60 (52%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 400mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 10 | $6.02 | $60.20 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 20 | $5.16 | $120.40 $103.20 (14%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 30 | $4.87 | $180.60 $146.20 (19%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $4.59 | $361.20 $275.20 (24%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $4.30 | $541.80 $387.00 (29%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $3.94 | $722.40 $473.00 (35%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $3.82 | $1083.60 $688.00 (37%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $3.66 | $1625.40 $989.00 (39%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $3.46
Best per pill | $2167.20 $1247.00 (42%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Hydroxychloroquine is a well-established medication with a dual therapeutic profile, primarily indicated for the prophylaxis and treatment of malaria caused by susceptible strains of Plasmodium species. Additionally, it is widely used in the management of autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Its mechanism involves altering lysosomal pH and inhibiting antigen processing, which modulates immune responses. Clinicians value hydroxychloroquine for its efficacy, favorable safety profile when monitored appropriately, and long history of use in diverse patient populations.
Features
- Chemical name: 2-[[4-[(7-Chloro-4-quinolyl)amino]pentyl]ethylamino]ethanol sulfate
- Molecular formula: C₁₈H₂₆ClN₃O · H₂SO₄
- Available as 200 mg oral tablets (equivalent to 155 mg base)
- White, film-coated tablets with functional score for accurate dosing
- Prescription-only medication requiring diagnostic confirmation
- Manufactured under strict GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards
- Typically supplied in bottles of 100 tablets with child-resistant caps
- Extended half-life of approximately 40 days allowing for consistent plasma levels
Benefits
- Provides reliable chemoprophylaxis against malaria in endemic regions
- Reduces disease activity and symptom severity in autoimmune disorders
- Demonstrates corticosteroid-sparing effects in chronic inflammatory conditions
- Offers convenient once-daily or weekly dosing depending on indication
- Maintains therapeutic efficacy with generally manageable side effect profile
- Shows potential antiviral properties under investigational protocols
Common use
Hydroxychloroquine is primarily prescribed for malaria prophylaxis in travelers to endemic areas and treatment of acute malarial infections when chloroquine resistance isn’t suspected. In rheumatology, it’s indicated for rheumatoid arthritis patients who have had inadequate response to first-line therapies. For systemic lupus erythematosus, it helps control skin manifestations, arthritis, and serositis while reducing disease flares. Off-label uses include Sjögren’s syndrome, porphyria cutanea tarda, and certain photodermatoses. The medication requires baseline and periodic ophthalmologic monitoring due to potential retinal toxicity.
Dosage and direction
Malaria prophylaxis: 400 mg (310 mg base) orally once weekly, starting 1-2 weeks before exposure and continuing for 4 weeks after leaving endemic area
Acute malaria treatment: 800 mg (620 mg base) initially, followed by 400 mg at 6, 24, and 48 hours
Rheumatoid arthritis: 400-600 mg daily (as sulfate) for 4-12 weeks, then reduced to 200-400 mg daily
Lupus erythematosus: 200-400 mg daily based on disease activity
Administration with food or milk minimizes gastrointestinal discomfort. Tablets should be swallowed whole unless scored, in which case they may be split for dose titration. Regular monitoring including complete blood count, liver function tests, and ophthalmologic exams is mandatory during long-term therapy.
Precautions
Regular ophthalmologic examinations (including visual fields, SD-OCT, and fundoscopy) every 6-12 months are essential to detect early retinal changes. Use caution in patients with hepatic impairment or alcoholism due to metabolization through the liver. Monitor for muscle weakness in patients concurrently using other myotoxic drugs. Psoriasis may be exacerbated by hydroxychloroquine administration. Blood glucose monitoring is recommended in diabetic patients as hypoglycemia may occur. G6PD deficiency testing should be considered before initiation for malaria treatment.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to 4-aminoquinoline compounds constitutes absolute contraindication. Retinal field changes attributable to antimalarial compounds prohibit use. Concurrent administration with other drugs known to cause retinal toxicity is contraindicated. Not recommended in patients with known porphyria. Avoid use in children under 6 years except for malaria treatment when benefits outweigh risks. Pregnancy category C requires careful risk-benefit assessment, though it may be used for malaria prophylaxis in pregnant women.
Possible side effect
Common (>1%): Nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, pruritus Less common (0.1-1%): Skin pigmentation changes, hair bleaching, alopecia, mood changes Rare (<0.1%): Retinopathy, corneal deposits, blood dyscrasias, cardiomyopathy Ophthalmic: Vortex keratopathy (usually reversible), retinal pigment mottling Dermatological: Exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (very rare) Hematological: Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anemia (rare) Neurological: Extrapyramidal symptoms, neuropathy, seizures
Drug interaction
Hydroxychloroquine may potentiate hypoglycemic effects of insulin and oral antidiabetic agents. Concurrent use with hepatotoxic drugs increases risk of liver damage. Digoxin levels may increase due to reduced renal clearance. Antacids and kaolin reduce absorption—separate administration by至少4 hours. May enhance effects of other QT-prolonging agents. Cyclosporine levels may increase when co-administered. Efficacy of live vaccines may be reduced during hydroxychloroquine therapy.
Missed dose
If a weekly prophylactic dose is missed, take as soon as remembered unless within 2 days of next scheduled dose—then skip missed dose and resume regular schedule. For daily dosing, take missed dose when remembered unless almost time for next dose—then skip and resume normal schedule. Never double doses. For malaria treatment, maintain strict dosing schedule—contact healthcare provider if doses missed.
Overdose
Symptoms include headache, visual disturbances, cardiovascular collapse, seizures, and hypokalemia. Cardiac effects may include prolonged QT interval, ventricular arrhythmias, and complete heart block. Management involves immediate gastric lavage if recent ingestion, activated charcoal, and supportive care with ECG monitoring for至少24 hours. Respiratory support and vasopressors may be necessary. Dialysis is not effective due to extensive tissue binding.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C/68-77°F) in original container. Protect from light and moisture. Keep tightly closed and away from excessive heat. Dispense in original container with child-resistant closure. Do not store in bathroom or damp areas. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Properly dispose of expired medication through take-back programs.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult healthcare providers for diagnosis and treatment decisions. Individual response to medication varies based on multiple factors including genetics, comorbidities, and concomitant medications. Dosage adjustments may be necessary based on renal/hepatic function and therapeutic response. Not all possible uses, interactions, or adverse effects are listed here.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate hydroxychloroquine’s efficacy in reducing rheumatoid arthritis disease activity scores by 50-70% within 6 months of therapy. Malaria prophylaxis studies show 90-95% effectiveness in non-resistant regions. Long-term lupus studies indicate 50% reduction in flare frequency and decreased corticosteroid requirements. Ophthalmologic monitoring protocols have significantly reduced incidence of irreversible retinopathy to <1% with proper screening. Patient satisfaction surveys indicate improved quality of life measures in autoimmune indications despite need for regular monitoring.