Hydroxychloroquine is a remedy indicated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, dermatological and rheumatic affections and also for the treatment of malaria.
This active substance is sold commercially under the names Plaquinol or Reuquinol and can be purchased in pharmacies for a price of about 65 to 85 reais, upon presentation of a prescription.
How to use
The dosage of hydroxychloroquine depends on the problem to be treated:
1. Systemic and discoid lupus erythematosus
The starting dose of hydroxychloroquine is 400 to 800 mg per day and the maintenance dose is 200 to 400 mg per day. Learn what lupus erythematosus is.
2. Rheumatoid and juvenile arthritis
The starting dose is 400 to 600 mg per day and the maintenance dose is 200 to 400 mg per day. Learn about the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and how the treatment is done.
The dosage for chronic juvenile arthritis should not exceed 6.5 mg / kg body weight per day, up to a maximum daily dose of 400 mg.
3. Photosensitive diseases
The recommended dose is 400 mg / day at baseline and then reduced to 200 mg daily. Ideally, treatment should be started a few days before sun exposure.
4. Malaria
- Suppressive treatment: In adults, the recommended dose is 400 mg at weekly intervals and in children it is 6.5 mg / kg body weight weekly. Treatment should be initiated 2 weeks before exposure or, if this is not possible, an initial dose of 800 mg in adults and 12.9 mg / kg in children, divided into two doses, with 6 hours of interval. Treatment should continue for 8 weeks after leaving the endemic area.
- Treatment of acute crisis: In adults, the starting dose is 800 mg followed by 400 mg after 6 to 8 hours and 400 mg daily on 2 consecutive days or alternatively a single dose of 800 mg. In children, a first dose of 12.9 mg / kg and a second dose of 6.5 mg / kg, six hours after the first dose, a third dose of 6.5 mg / kg, the second dose and a fourth dose of 6.5 mg / kg, 24 hours after the third dose.
Who should not use
Hydroxychloroquine should not be used by people who are hypersensitive to any of the components present in the formula, with pre-existing retinopathies or under 6 years of age.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects that can occur with the use of this medication are anorexia, headache, vision disorders, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, rash and itching.
