Hydroxychloroquine
Hydroxychloroquine Pronunciation: hye drox ee KLOR oh quinn
Brand Names: Plaquenil Sulfate, Quineprox
Important Information Description
Who should not take it?
How should I take it?
What happens if I miss a dose?
What happens if I overdose?
What should I avoid while taking it?
What are the side effects?
What other drugs will affect it?
Where can I get more information?
Brand Names
What is the most important information I should know about hydroxychloroquine?
• Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities until you know how this medication affects you. Hydroxychloroquine may cause visual disturbances such as blurred vision, misty vision, and difficulty focusing. Report any vision or hearing changes to your doctor.
What is hydroxychloroquine?
• Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial drug and an analgesic (pain reliever). The exact way that hydroxychloroquine works is unknown.
• Hydroxychloroquine is used to treat and prevent malaria. Hydroxychloroquine is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus.
• Hydroxychloroquine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydroxychloroquine?
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
· had an allergic reaction to previous hydroxychloroquine therapy,
· glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency,
· ever had eye damage or visual changes due to hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine (Aralen),
· psoriasis,
· porphyria, or
· liver disease.
• You may not be able to take hydroxychloroquine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• It is not known whether hydroxychloroquine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take hydroxychloroquine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• It is not known how hydroxychloroquine will affect a nursing infant. Do not take hydroxychloroquine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take hydroxychloroquine?
• Take hydroxychloroquine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Take hydroxychloroquine with food to lessen stomach upset.
• Store hydroxychloroquine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a hydroxychloroquine overdose include headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, visual changes, seizures, difficulty breathing, and unconsciousness.
What should I avoid while taking hydroxychloroquine?
• Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities until you know how this medication affects you. Hydroxychloroquine may cause visual disturbances such as blurred vision, misty vision, and difficulty focusing. Report any vision or hearing changes to your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of hydroxychloroquine?
• Stop taking hydroxychloroquine and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately if you experience an.
· allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
· fever;
· visual disturbances such as blurred vision, misty vision, and difficulty focusing;
· changes in eye color; or
· hearing loss or ringing in the ears.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take hydroxychloroquine and talk to your doctor if you experience
· diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain or upset, vomiting, or loss of appetite;
· muscle weakness; or
· itching or a rash.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect hydroxychloroquine?
• Before taking hydroxychloroquine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
· a gold compound such as aurothioglucose (Solganal), auranofin (Ridaura), or gold sodium thiomalate (Aurolate, Myochrysine);
· digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps); or
· methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Folex).
• You may not be able to take hydroxychloroquine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy if you are taking any of the medications listed above.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with hydroxychloroquine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has more information about hydroxychloroquine written for health professionals that you may read.
From WebMD