Generic

Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate

Indications

The drug hydroxychloroquine sulphate is mentioned in-

• Rheumatoid arthritis, both acute and chronic
• Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a kind of autoimmune disease (SLE)
• Malaria

Pharmacology

Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate is a synthetic form of quinine. It suppresses the immune system by decreasing the generation of rheumatoid and acute phase reactants. It also accumulates in white blood cells, where it stabilizes lysosomal membranes and inhibits the function of several enzymes, including collagenase and the proteases that break down cartilage. It also kills growing parasites by breaking the cell walls of infected red blood cells.

Dosage & Administration

Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate tablets are for oral administration and are taken with food to avoid stomach upset.

Acute and chronic rheumatoid arthritis: 400 to 600 mg daily. When good response is obtained (usually 4 to 8 weeks), dose can be reduced to 50%.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): 400 mg once or twice daily for several weeks or months depending on response of the patients. Maintenance dose is 200 to 400 mg daily.

Malaria: In adults, an initial dose of 800 mg followed by 400 mg in 6-8 hours and 400 mg on each of two consecutive days. For children a total dose representing 25 mg/kg is administered in 3 days as follows.

• First dose: 10 mg base/kg (but not exceeding a single dose of 620 mg base).
• Second dose: 5 mg base/kg (but not exceeding a single dose of 310 mg base) 6 hours after first dose.
• Third dose: 5 mg base/kg 18 hours after second dose.
• Fourth dose: 5 mg base/kg 24 hours after third dose.

Interaction

Antibiotics, neostigmine, chloroquine, antacids.

Contraindications

The presence of retinar or visuar fierd changes attributabre to any 4-aminoquinorine compound, patients with known hypersensitivity to 4-aminoquinorin compounds, long examination requires in every 12 months.

Side Effects

Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate is generally well tolerated. However, nausea, vomiting, stomach trouble, lack of appetite, diarrhea, fatigue, weakness, or headache, and vision problems may develop within the first few days.

Pregnancy & Lactation

This medication should only be taken if absolutely necessary during pregnancy. Because this medicine is detected in minute levels in breast milk, check your doctor before using it.

Precautions & Warnings

The 4-aminoquinoline compounds are highly toxic to children. Patients should be strongly advised to keep these medications out of reach of youngsters. Every 12 months, an opthalmologic checkup is required.

Therapeutic Class

Anti-malarial drugs, Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), Drugs used for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Storage Conditions

Store at temperatures below 30° C.

Pharmaceutical Name

Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd