Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine) Guide

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: Caused by mosquito bites.
Auto-immune diseases: Such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
- A type of medication known as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARDs).
- Helps with lupus skin problems and arthritis swelling/pain.

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Usage Instructions

Take with food to avoid stomach upset.
Follow your doctor's instructions for dosage and duration.
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

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Precautions

Inform your doctor if you have allergies to hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine.
Discuss your medical history with your doctor, especially if you have:
- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD)
- Vision/eye problems
- Hearing problems
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Regular alcohol use/abuse
- Skin problems (psoriasis)
- Blood disorder (porphyria)
- Seizures
Monitor blood sugar levels regularly if you have diabetes.
Be aware of the risk of QT prolongation, which can cause serious heart rhythm issues.
Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects.
Avoid use during pregnancy; consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Dosage Instructions for Plaquenil

Drug interactions can alter medication effectiveness or increase risk of serious complications.
Maintain a list of all products you use and share it with your doctor.
Do not start, stop, or change dosage without consulting your doctor.
Notable drugs that may interact with Plaquenil: Penicillamine and remdesivir.

Overdose

Overdose can be accidental.
Taking more than prescribed can lead to serious medical emergencies.
If overdose occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, skip it and return to your regular schedule.
Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Keep away from direct heat, air, and light.
Store in a safe place, out of children's reach.
Proper storage ensures medication effectiveness and safety.

Plaquenil vs Otrexup

Plaquenil	Otrexup
Malaria and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are treated.	Inflammation and cell replication are reduced.
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is an effective treatment for autoimmune diseases and malaria with fewer side effects than other DMARDs.	Otrexup (methotrexate) is the first-line treatment for many cancers and arthritis, but it has a long list of side effects.
Used for treating the following Rheumatoid arthritis Lupus Malaria	Used for treating the following: Cancer Juvenile arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis Psoriasis Crohn disease Lupus

Citations

Using multifocal ERG ring ratios to detect and follow Plaquenil retinal toxicity: a review | Documenta Ophthalmologica

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does the drug Plaquenil do?

This drug is also used to treat auto-immune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis). It is a type of medication known as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARDs). It can help with lupus skin problems and arthritis swelling/pain.

2. Who should not take Plaquenil?

If you have previously experienced changes in your vision while taking rheumatoid arthritis or malaria medications, do not take Plaquenil. Plaquenil should not be given to children under the age of six. Plaquenil should not be used in children over the age of 6 for an extended period of time.

3. How long can you stay on Plaquenil?

Plaquenil is a very slow-acting medication. You should feel better in 1 to 3 months. You may continue to improve for a year. Plaquenil is commonly used in conjunction with other pain and stiffness medications.

4. Is Plaquenil an anti-inflammatory?

In patients with HIV infection and inflammatory arthritis, HCQ may have anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects at the same time. If larger studies confirm this finding, it may become the drug of choice in this patient population.

5. What are the long-term side effects of Plaquenil?

Treatment with hydroxychloroquine can result in bone marrow depression, anemia, aplastic anemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, and a worsening of porphyria. High doses and long-term use are risk factors. Patients on long-term therapy should have full blood counts performed on a regular basis.

6. Does Plaquenil make you gain weight?

In some cases, this might cause weight gain and in some patients, it leads to weight loss.

7. Is plaquenil the same as hydroxychloroquine?

Hydroxychloroquine is used to treat arthritis by reducing inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain, as well as controlling the symptoms of lupus erythematosus (lupus). Plaquenil is the brand name for hydroxychloroquine.

8. Does Plaquenil cause blood clots?

Because hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been linked to lower levels of cholesterol, blood sugar, and the tendency of blood to clot – all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease – researchers investigated the link between HCQ use and the occurrence of heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots (in lungs or deep veins).

9. How does Plaquenil make you feel?

The side effects of Plaquenil range from more common, mild issues such as headache, nausea, and stomach pain to serious but uncommon conditions such as heart problems, muscle weakness, and convulsions. Higher doses and long-term treatment may increase the risk of side effects.

10. What time of day is best to take Plaquenil?

Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, take this medication with meals or milk to reduce stomach upset. Even if you feel better after the first few doses, continue to take this medication for the duration of your treatment. If you stop taking the medication too soon, your infection may not clear up.

11. Does Plaquenil cause liver damage?

Hydroxychloroquine is metabolized in the liver and has the potential to alter the metabolism of other medications. Therapy is unlikely to cause liver damage in healthy people, but it can cause an acute worsening of porphyria cutanea tarda in susceptible people.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.