Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial and disease-modifying antirheumatic drug. It kills the malaria parasite and is used for the prevention and treatment of malaria. Hydroxychloroquine is also commonly used to treat autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Hydroxychloroquine is currently under investigation for the treatment of COVID-19. However, the safety and efficacy of Hydroxychloroquine are yet to be established for the treatment of COVID-19.
Hydroxychloroquine is taken by mouth. You should take Hydroxychloroquine with meal or milk for better absorption.
The suggested adult doses for different uses are listed below:
For prevention of malaria
Adult: 400 mg once a week on the same day. Start 2 weeks prior to exposure and continue until 8 weeks after exposure.
For rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus
Adult: 200-400 mg once daily. Do not exceed a daily dose of 5 mg/kg/day or 400 mg per day.
Hydroxychloroquine can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, dizziness, decreased appetite, visual disturbances and irritability. Long-term use at higher doses is associated with retinal toxicity, so it is important to have eyes examined when starting treatment and on a regular basis.
Common dosing schedule:
Hydroxychloroquine can be taken with or without food.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Hydroxychloroquine may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Hydroxychloroquine is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Hydroxychloroquine in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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