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Hydroxychloroquine |
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What is Hydroxychloroquine and why is it prescribed? Hydroxychloroquine is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of certain forms of malaria. Hydroxychloroquine is also used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis such as swelling, inflammation, stiffness, and joint pain. It is also prescribed for lupus erythematosus, a chronic inflammation of the connective tissue. Children are especially sensitive to Hydroxychloroquine. Relatively small doses of this medication have caused fatalities. Keep this drug in a child-proof container and out of the reach of children. How should you take Hydroxychloroquine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Hydroxychloroquine. If you have been prescribed Hydroxychloroquine for rheumatoid arthritis, it will take several weeks for beneficial effects to appear. Take each dose with a meal or a glass of milk. If you miss a dose and you take 1 dose every 7 days, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to your regular schedule. If you take 1 dose a day and you miss your dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. If you take more than one dose a day, take it as soon as you remember if it is within an hour or so of the missed time. If you do not remember until later on, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Hydroxychloroquine at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture. Are there any Hydroxychloroquine side effects? Hydroxychloroquine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Hydroxychloroquine side effects of treatment for an acute malarial attack may include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, heart problems, lack or loss of appetite, mild headache, nausea, and vomiting. Hydroxychloroquine side effects of treatment for lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis may include abdominal cramps, abnormal eye pigmentation, acne, anemia, bleaching of hair, blind spots, blisters in mouth and eyes, blood disorders, blurred vision, convulsions, decreased vision, diarrhea, difficulty focusing the eyes, diminished reflexes, dizziness, emotional changes, excessive coloring of the skin, eye muscle paralysis, "foggy vision," halos around lights, headache, hearing loss, heart problems, hives, involuntary eyeball movement, irritability, itching, light flashes and streaks, light intolerance, liver problems or failure, loss of hair, loss or lack of appetite, muscle paralysis, muscle weakness and wasting, nausea, nervousness, nightmares, psoriasis, reading difficulties, ringing in the ears, skin eruptions, skin inflammation and scaling, skin rash, vertigo, vomiting, weariness, and weight loss. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Hydroxychloroquine? If Hydroxychloroquine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Hydroxychloroquine with Any medication that may cause liver damage, Aurothioglucose (Solganal), Cimetidine (Tagamet), or Digoxin (Lanoxin). Are there any special warnings about Hydroxychloroquine? Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do not take this medication if you have psoriasis or porphyria. The use of Hydroxychloroquine may cause a severe attack of psoriasis and may increase the severity of porphyria. Disorders of the retina causing impairment or loss of vision may be related to the length of time and the dose of Hydroxychloroquine given for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Problems have occurred several months to several years after beginning daily therapy. When you are on prolonged therapy your doctor will perform eye examinations at the beginning of treatment and every 3 months after that. Visual disturbances may progress, even after you have stopped taking this drug. If you have any problem with your vision or your eyes, notify your doctor immediately. All people on long-term therapy with this drug should have a physical examination periodically, including testing of knee and ankle reflexes, to detect any evidence of muscular weakness. Consult your doctor if you experience ringing in the ears, or other hearing problems. If you are being treated for rheumatoid arthritis and have shown no improvement within 6 months, your doctor may decide to discontinue Hydroxychloroquine. Hydroxychloroquine should be used with caution by alcoholics and those who have liver disease or kidney problems. Your doctor should conduct periodic blood cell counts if you are on prolonged therapy with this medication. If any severe blood disorder develops that is not attributed to the disease you are being treated for, your doctor may discontinue use of Hydroxychloroquine. Consult your doctor if you are taking a drug that has a tendency to produce dermatitis, because you may have some skin reactions while taking Hydroxychloroquine. |
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