Plaquenil

Common Name: hydroxychloroquine sulfate

How does Plaquenil work?

Hydroxychloroquine belongs to the family of medications known as anti-inflammatories and antimalarials. It is used alone, or in combination with other anti-arthritic medications for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis because it helps to reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints. It may take several weeks before the beneficial effects of hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are seen. Hydroxychloroquine is also used to treat and prevent certain types of malaria. It is also used for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Plaquenil?

Hydroxychloroquine should be taken with a meal or a glass of milk. The recommended doses of the medication vary according to the condition being treated. Rheumatoid arthritis: The usual adult starting dose is 400 mg to 600 mg daily. It may take several weeks before the beneficial effects of hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are seen, and several months before maximum effects are achieved. The doctor may reduce the dose to 200 mg to 400 mg daily after a good response is achieved. If benefits do not appear within six months of treatment, your doctor may decide to stop the medication. Lupus: The usual starting dose for adults is 400 mg once or twice daily. This dose may be continued for several weeks or months depending on the benefits that occur. The long-term dose of hydroxychloroquine is usually reduced to 200 mg to 400 mg daily. Malaria: The recommended preventative adult dose is 400 mg on exactly the same day of each week, beginning 2 weeks before exposure. Children's doses are based on body weight. For treatment of acute attacks of malaria, the recommended starting dose for adults is 800 mg followed by 400 mg after 6 to 8 hours. This is followed by 400 mg on each of the next two days for a total of 2,000 mg of hydroxychloroquine sulfate. Some doctors may decide to prescribe a single dose of 800 mg only, as this method has also been found effective in the treatment of malaria. Children's doses are based on body weight as prescribed by the doctor. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with you regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with you regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

What form(s) does Plaquenil come in?

Each white, film-coated, peanut-shaped tablet, marked with "PLAQUENIL" in black on one side, contains hydroxychloroquine sulfate 200 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium phosphate (dibasic), carnauba wax, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, starch, and titanium dioxide. This medication does not contain gluten, lactose, sucrose, or tartrazine.

What should I NOT take with Plaquenil?

Hydroxychloroquine should not be taken by anyone who: has previously diagnosed retinopathy of the eye is allergic to hydroxychloroquine or any of the 4-aminoquinoline compounds is allergic to any of the ingredients of the medication Hydroxychloroquine should not be taken by children for long periods of time.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Plaquenil?

Blood tests: If you take this medication for a long period of time, your doctor will likely want you to have blood tests to make sure that your levels of red and white blood cells have not been affected. Eye damage: Irreversible damage to the retina of the eye has occurred for some people who take long-term or high-dosage treatment with hydroxychloroquine. Eye damage is more likely to occur if recommended doses are exceeded. Your doctor will want you to have regular eye exams if you take this medication for a period of time. If you notice any new problems with sight or symptoms such as light flashes and streaks, stop the medication at once and call your doctor. Kidney or liver disease: People with kidney disease or liver disease may need a lower dose of this medication. If you have liver or kidney disease, talk to your doctor. Medical conditions: If you have stomach, nerve, blood, or certain skin disorders, speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication. Muscle weakness: Call your doctor if you notice any unusual evidence of muscular weakness. Occupational hazards: While taking this medication, use caution when driving or operating machinery, since hydroxychloroquine can cause blurring of vision. If your vision blurs, call your doctor. Pregnancy: Hydroxychloroquine should be avoided during pregnancy except for the suppression or treatment of malaria when, in the judgment of your doctor, the potential benefits may outweigh the potential risks. Breastfeeding: This medication passes in small amounts into breast milk. Infants are extremely sensitive to its side effects. Speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits of breast-feeding while taking this medication. Children: The safety and efficacy of this medication has not been established for children when taking hydroxychloroquine for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. Children are especially sensitive to the side effects of hydroxychloroquine. Keep this medication out of the reach of children.