Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate
Generic Details
Generic Name
Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate
Other Names
- Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate
- Plaquenil
Drug Class
- Antimalarial
- Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug (DMARD)
Chemical Formula
C18H26ClN3O.H2SO4
Molecular Weight
433.95 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits lysosomal acidification
- Modulates immune response
Indications
- Malaria prophylaxis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- COVID-19 (off-label)
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
- Injection
Typical Dosage
- 200-400 mg daily for adults
Pediatric Dosage
- 6.5 mg/kg/dose/day (max 400 mg)
Geriatric Dosage
- Initiate with lower doses due to increased risk of side effects
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Retinopathy
- Cardiomyopathy
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to hydroxychloroquine
- Pre-existing retinopathy
- G6PD deficiency
Pregnancy Category
- Category C - Risk cannot be ruled out
Lactation Safety
- Use with caution; excreted in breast milk
Drug Interactions
- Increased risk of QT prolongation with other QT-prolonging drugs
- Decreased effects with antacids
Overdose Symptoms
- Cardiotoxicity
- Ocular toxicity
- Central nervous system effects
Antidote for Overdose
- No specific antidote; provide supportive care
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
- Distribution: Extensively distributed into tissues
- Metabolism: Partially metabolized in the liver
- Excretion: Mainly excreted unchanged in the urine
Precautions
- Regular eye examinations to monitor for retinopathy
- Electrocardiogram monitoring for QT interval prolongation
Warnings
- Increased risk of serious adverse effects with prolonged use
- Not recommended for long-term use in children
Others
- Avoid in patients with porphyria
- May exacerbate psoriasis