Plaquenil, also known as hydroxychloroquine, is a malaria medication used to treat or prevent the disease caused by parasites that enter the body through a mosquito bite. It is not effective against all strains of malaria, nor is it effective in areas where the infection has developed resistance to a similar drug known as chloroquine. Plaquenil is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis symptoms as well as discoid or systemic lupus erythematosus.
Plaquenil Uses
Plaquenil is used for:
Prevention or treatment of malaria:Β Caused by mosquito bites.
Auto-immune diseases:Β Such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
A type of medication known as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARDs).
Helps with lupus skin problems andΒ arthritisΒ swelling/pain.
Usage Instructions
Take with food to avoid stomach upset.
Follow your doctor’s instructions for dosage and duration.
Β For Malaria Prevention:
Take orally once a week on the same day each week.
Start one to two weeks before entering the malarious area.
Continue weekly while in the area and for 4 to 8 weeks after leaving.
For Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Take orally as directed, usually once or twice daily.
Dosage might be gradually increased.
After improvement, dosage may be decreased to find the best dose with minimal side effects.
Important Notes:
Take kaolin or antacids at least 4 hours before or after Plaquenil to avoid interaction.
Take it regularly at the same time(s) daily.
Do not discontinue without consulting your doctor.
Inform your doctor if your condition worsens.
Seek medical attention for fever or other symptoms of illness, especially while in a malarious area and for 2 months after returning.
Plaquenil Side Effects
Common Side Effects:
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Headache
Shortness of breath
Swelling ankles/feet
Tiredness
Weight gain
Mental or mood changes (anxiety, depression)
Hearing changes
Easy bruising or bleeding
Signs of infection (fever)
Serious Side Effects:
Liver disease
Stomach or abdominal pain
Yellowing skin
Muscle weakness
Hair loss
Low blood sugar (sweating, shaking, hunger)
Blurred vision
Precautions
Inform your doctor if you have allergies to hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine.
Discuss your medical history with your doctor, especially if you have:
