200 mg of hydroxychloroquine is recommended for the treatment and prevention of malaria brought on by mosquito bites. Additionally, discoid or systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis are advised uses for it. You may learn more about the dosing and safety of hydroxychloroquine 200 mg from this blog.
use in clinical settings
Rheumatoid arthritis, discoid, and systemic lupus erythematosus are treated with hydroxychloroquine pills, especially in patients who have not reacted well to medications with less risk of severe side effects. Additionally, it is administered to treat acute malaria attacks and reduce malaria. When used as a suppressive medication, hydroxychloroquine effectively ends acute attacks and lengthens the time between treatment and relapse. Uses for hydroxychloroquine include:
- Treat rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints.
- Treat Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a condition in which healthy bodily organs are inappropriately attacked by your immune system. Your skin, kidneys, brain, and other organs may be impacted.
- Handle Discoidal Lupus Erythematosus (DLE): SLE primarily affects the skin, causing scaly or red rashes.
- Therapy and prophylaxis for specific forms of malaria: a parasitic infection of the red blood cells. Chills, a high fever, trembling, and excessive perspiration are possible symptoms. Hydroxychloroquine is best taken under a doctor’s prescription.
Mechanism of Hydroxychloroquine
The mechanism of action of 200 mg of hydroxychloroquine in treating DLE, SLE, and rheumatoid arthritis remains uncertain. The effects of hydroxychloroquine may not show up for up to six months. Hydroxychloroquine treats malaria by eradicating the parasite that can cause an illness.
Safety
If you have an allergy to hydroxychloroquine, any of the chemicals in medications, or any comparable pharmaceuticals like chloroquine, do not use 200 mg of hydroxychloroquine.
If you have retinopathy, an eye condition that affects the retina in the rear of your eye, you cannot use hydroxychloroquine. Your retina may sustain irreparable damage if you take 200 mg of hydroxychloroquine. If you have any vision issues, you should inform your healthcare professional. Children under six years old or under 35 kilograms should not take this medication.
Before using a 200 mg pill of hydroxychloroquine, consult your healthcare professional to help guarantee correct dosage and help prevent any negative effects. Talk about any illnesses or ailments you may have, such as low potassium, heart disease, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, decreased vision, nervous system disease, psoriasis, gastrointestinal illness, muscle weakness, or a blood disease. You should also mention if you are pregnant or nursing.
An extremely high heart rate can occur when taking hydroxychloroquine for arthritis. It may result in death, collapse, or cardiac arrest. Hydroxychloroquine use for extended periods of time may result in cardiac issues, including failure, a weak or enlarged heart. These are dangerous and may even be fatal. Your physician will periodically examine your heart. It is currently unclear if hydroxychloroquine couldimpact the fertility of men. Consult your physician if you wish to start a family.
When using hydroxychloroquine, you can experience blurred vision. Steer clear of driving and other tasks that call for attentiveness. Waiting until you can see clearly and know how you react to hydroxychloroquine is advised. Your doctor might lower your dosage if your issues persist. All of your drugs, including vitamins, minerals, and natural supplements as well as over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, should be disclosed to your doctor. Hydroxychloroquine may interact with certain medications.
Dosage and administration
200 mg of hydroxychloroquine sulfate are contained in each pill. Take the tablet with a glass of milk or with a meal.
The dosage that is best for you will be determined by your doctor. Your weight, physical condition, and other variables, such the other medications you take, may affect the dosage.
Rheumatoid arthritis:
Adults should start with 400 mg once daily. Some people may need to have their initial dosage temporarily reduced due to side effects. Usually, the dose can be gradually adjusted to the optimal response level several times without experiencing a recurrence of side effects after five to ten days. when a favorable answer is received, which is typically four to twelve weeks later. As directed by your physician, the dosage is lowered and maintained at a tolerable maintenance level.
Adults: 400 mg once weekly on the same day every week beginning two weeks before to exposure for malaria. After departing the endemic area, this therapy should be continued for an additional eight weeks.
For adults with systemic and discoid lupus erythematosus, the starting dose is 400 mg once or twice day. You might be requested to keep taking it for a few weeks or months, depending on the patient’s response. As a maintenance dose, a dose of 200–400 mg once daily is sufficient.
Patients with renal and hepatic impairment should take hydroxyquinol with caution; a dosage reduction may be required.
For the prevention and treatment of malaria, the US Centers for Disease Control offers updated guidelines along with additional advice. Before visiting regions where malaria is prevalent, talk with your healthcare professional about the latest recent facts.
See Also: The Mechanism of Action of Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine