About hydroxychloroquine sulfate
Antimalarial and disease-modifying antirheumatic drug
Used for
- Prevention and treatment of malaria caused by susceptible parasites
- Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
Usual adult dose
Malaria prevention: 400 mg once weekly. Rheumatoid arthritis or lupus: usually 200–400 mg daily.
Usual dose in children
Malaria prevention: 6.5 mg/kg once weekly, maximum 400 mg. Other uses require specialist dosing.
Common side effects
- Nausea, stomach pain, or diarrhea
- Headache or skin rash
- Retinal damage and vision changes
- Heart rhythm problems
Important warnings
- Long-term use can damage the retina; regular eye examinations are needed.
- Rarely causes severe low blood sugar, heart muscle disease, or abnormal heart rhythms.
- Use caution with kidney or liver disease and psoriasis.
- Malaria treatment depends on parasite susceptibility and local guidance.
Pregnancy
May be used during pregnancy for lupus or malaria prevention when clinically indicated; discuss risks and benefits with a clinician.
Breastfeeding
Generally considered compatible with breastfeeding at usual doses; small amounts pass into milk.
Interactions
- Other medicines that prolong the QT interval can increase heart rhythm risks.
- Digoxin levels may rise.
- Antacids can reduce absorption; separate doses by at least four hours.
- May increase effects of insulin and other blood-sugar-lowering medicines.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.