Hydroxychloroquine

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Hydroxychloroquine

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an immune system disorder in which immune system attacks it's own body tissues
Rheumatoid arthritis (Swelling and Pain in Joints)
Skin rash due to sun exposure

Contraindications of Hydroxychloroquine

When should one not use Hydroxychloroquine

If you are allergic to Hydroxychloroquine or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
If you are allergic to chloroquine
If you are suffering from an eye disease called maculopathy usually characterised by visual abnormalities

Side effects of Hydroxychloroquine

Common side effects of this drug are:

Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of appetite
Headache, dizziness, mood swings and nervousness
Skin rash, itching, loss of hair and pigmentation
Blurred vision, unable to recognise colours and other eye disorders. If this happens, immediately stop taking this medicine and inform your doctor
Sudden severe fall in blood glucose, one may experience anxiety, sweating, hunger pangs, headaches, irritability or fainting

Precautions and Warnings of Hydroxychloroquine

Pregnancy

Can I take Hydroxychloroquine during pregnancy?

This medicine may cause harmful effects in unborn baby. Therefore, it is not recommended during pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Hydroxychloroquine while breastfeeding?

This medicine passes in human milk. Women taking this medicine should not breastfeed as newborns are very sensitive to the harmful effects of this medicine.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Hydroxychloroquine?

You may experience visual disturbances, impaired ability to recognise objects properly & dizziness. Hence, you should avoid driving if you do not feel well or are unable to be alert.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Hydroxychloroquine?

You should avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medicine as it may worsen the side effects of this medicine.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

If you experience visual disturbances or have existing eye disorder, before beginning treatment with this medicine, you should undergo an eye examination
If you experience a sudden drop in blood sugar and unconsciousness, monitoring of blood glucose is recommended if you are a diabetic
This medicine may cause abnormal or irregular heartbeats
Your doctor shall conduct an ECG before starting treatment with this medicine, inform your doctor if you already have heart disease
If you have liver or kidney diseases, you may require dose adjustment
If you have stomach disease
If you develop swelling in legs, breathlessness, fatigue, bloating and coughing while lying
If you develop rashes after taking this medicine
If you have a history of an autoimmune disorder of skin called porphyria
If you are supposed to take this medicine for long term treatment, you should be monitored regularly for heart health & blood count
If you or your family has a history of an enzyme deficiency (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency)
Keep this medicine away from children as even if a small amount accidentally taken may cause serious side effects

Mode of Action of Hydroxychloroquine

How Does It Work?

The medicine has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory action. It inhibits the action of chemicals such as prostaglandin, interleukins and other immune system modifying cells and enzymes. Therefore, ...

Interactions of Hydroxychloroquine

Interactions with other medicines

Be cautious if you are taking medicine like Digoxin for heart failure as this medicine can increase its levels and lead to toxicity
You may experience low blood sugar when taken along with insulin or other anti-diabetic medicine, inform your doctor about all your diabetic medicines. Your doctor shall decrease the dose of your anti...
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Medicine used to reduce stomach acid and to stop diarrhoea should be taken with a minimum gap of four hour
You may experience irregular heart rhythm if you take medicines like Amiodarone, Moxifloxacin & Halofantrine
You may experience fits if you take this medicine along with other antimalarials like Mefloquine
Medicines used to treat muscle weakness like Neostigmine & Pyridostigmine, medicines to treat worm infection like Praziquantel, cimetidine and gentamicin may not work properly
Other medicines like Cyclosporin, Agalsidase and medicines used to treat fits

Dosage of Hydroxychloroquine

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose are headache, eyesight problems, low blood pressure, fits, irregular heartbeats, heart problems, difficulty in breathing and sometimes even heart attack
If you experience any of these symptoms or if you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital

Missed a Dose

You should never miss your dose as it may lead to treatment failure
If you missed any dose of medicine, take it as soon as you remember
If it's time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule
Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed one

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Mansi Savla

B. Pharm, PharmD

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I take this medicine on my own?

A: No, this medicine is to be taken if prescribed by your doctor. Taking this medicine by self-medication can lead to harm. Before giving this medicine, your doctor shall perform an ECG to check if you have any heart ailment. Your doctor will also look at your other existing disorders, medicines and adjust the dose accordingly.

Q: Are there any serious side effects of Hydroxychloroquine?

A: Yes, there are certain serious side effects. It can cause very severe drop in blood sugar which can be dangerous. It can cause heart-related side effects which can be serious. It can cause skin peeling, blistering known as Stevens Johnson syndrome. It can cause anaemia, low platelet count and liver enzymes being raised.

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Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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