Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate is indicated in:

• Acute and chronic rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
• Malaria

Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate is a synthetically produced version of quinine. It acts as an immunosuppressant by inhibiting the production of rheumatoid factor and acute phase reactants. It also accumulates in white blood cells, stabilizing lysosomal membranes and inhibiting the activity of many enzymes, including collagenase and the proteases that cause cartilage breakdown. It also acts by disrupting the cell walls of infected red blood cells and kills the developing parasites.

Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate tablets are for oral administration and should be taken with food to avoid stomach upset.

Acute and chronic rheumatoid arthritis: 400 to 600 mg daily. When a good response is obtained (usually 4 to 8 weeks), the dose can be reduced to 50%.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): 400 mg once or twice daily for several weeks or months, depending on the patient's response. Maintenance dose is 200 to 400 mg daily.

Malaria: In adults, an initial dose of 800 mg followed by 400 mg in 6-8 hours and 400 mg on each of two consecutive days. For children, a total dose representing 25 mg/kg is administered over 3 days as follows:

• First dose: 10 mg base/kg (but not exceeding a single dose of 620 mg base)
• Second dose: 5 mg base/kg (but not exceeding a single dose of 310 mg base) 6 hours after the first dose
• Third dose: 5 mg base/kg 18 hours after the second dose
• Fourth dose: 5 mg base/kg 24 hours after the third dose

Generally, Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate is well tolerated. However, a few side effects like nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, loss of appetite, diarrhea, tiredness, weakness or headache, and visual problems may occur during the first several days.

During pregnancy, this drug should be used only if clearly needed. Since small amounts of this medication are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Children are especially sensitive to the 4-aminoquinoline compounds. Patients should be strongly warned to keep these drugs out of the reach of children. Ophthalmologic examination is required every 12 months.

Symptoms of overdose consist of headache, drowsiness, visual disturbances, cardiovascular collapse, and convulsions, followed by sudden and early respiratory and cardiac arrest. Gastric lavage should be performed until the stomach is completely emptied.

Anti-malarial drugs, Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), Drugs used for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.