Patients with lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis who have not reacted to therapy have found relief with HCQ (hydroxychloroquine sulfate) 200 mg tablets, as they have a lower risk of major side effects. It is yet unknown how precisely these disorders are controlled.
About HCQ
A medication known as hydroxychloroquine, or HCQ 100 and 200 mg, is a disease-modifying antirheumatic medication (DMARD). It is also sold under the OXCQ 200 mg brand. It aids in controlling the immune system’s activity, which in some circumstances may be excessive. HCQ 200 mg may not only treat symptoms but also alter the underlying cause of the condition. It has mostly been found to cure mosquito-borne malaria.
uidelines for treating and preventing malaria in various regions of the world are provided by the Centers for Disease Control. Additionally, this medication successfully heals lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, two auto-immune conditions. In lupus, the drug lessens skin issues, and in arthritis, it stops swelling and discomfort. Unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional, HCQ medication is not advised for coronavirus infection. Talk about the advantages and disadvantages with your medical practitioner.
Uses of HCQ
HCQ 200 mg tablet uses include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus (a disease that happens when your body’s immune system attacks your tissues and organs.
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
Dosage and administration
For the treatment of lupus erythematosus and active rheumatoid arthritis, an adult’s recommended daily dosage of HCQ 200 medication is two to three tablets, ideally taken with meals. Before the effects of treatment can be assessed, the course of treatment must last for four to twelve weeks.
The severity of the disease and the patient’s reaction to treatment determine how to treat lupus erythematosus. The first recommended dosage of HCQ for adults is 400–800 mg per day. You can keep the dosage at this level for a few weeks before lowering it to a maintenance dose.
Maintenance dose
For arthritis, the maintenance dose of HCQ shouldn’t go above 200–400 mg per day. Particular attention must be taken to determine the dosage based on lean weight in obese patients in order to prevent overdosing.
HCQ 200 is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other dermatological problems, however it should only be administered during periods of maximum light exposure.
Contraindications and precautions
When treating neurological conditions, HCQ tablets (100 mg and 200 mg) should be used cautiously (particularly in patients with a history of epilepsy). When treating rheumatoid arthritis, medication should be stopped right away if improvement is not seen after six months. In psoriasis patients, hydroxychloroquine may precipitate a severe flare-up of the disease. In these circumstances, the doctor’s recommendation is to not use the medicine unless the patient’s benefit justifies any potential risks. If patients are recommended to have prolonged treatment, blood cell counts should be performed.
Patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase should use the medication with caution. This medication should not be taken by those with uncommon genetic disorders of glucose-galactose malabsorption or galactose intolerance. Skeletal muscle function and tendon reflexes should be examined in all patients receiving prolonged therapy. If weakness develops, the drug should be discontinued. Given that HCQ might produce dermatologic responses, patients who are prescribed the medicine that causes dermatitis should be given special attention. Patients should be advised to keep HCQ out of the reach of little children as they are more vulnerable to the negative effects of this medicine.
100 and 200 mg of HCQ pass through the placenta. There is little information on its use during pregnancy. As a result, taking this medicine while pregnant is not advised. Since HCQ has been found to be excreted in minute amounts in breast milk and because infants are known to be highly sensitive to the toxic effects of HCQ, taking HCQ during lactation should be carefully considered.
Drug interactions
Alpha beta agalsidase and laronidase may be inhibited by HCQ 100 and 200 tablets. HCQ absorption decreased. Lanthanum should be administered at least two hours apart. Increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias while using HCQ in conjunction prevents simultaneous use of the medication. Cimetidine inhibits HCQ metabolism. The medication may worsen myasthenia gravis symptoms, which would counteract the benefits of pyridostigmine and neostigmine.
Side effects
Side effects with HCQ 200 mg are uncommon. On the other hand, some HCQ can result in skin rashes, especially those exacerbated by sunshine, diarrhea, headaches, nausea, moderate hair loss, and tinnitus. Other negative effects of HCQ include whitening of the hair and visual issues.
See Also: 200 mg of hydroxychloroquine: Dosage, Effectiveness, and Safety
